Page 32 - RFC Rhine-Alpine_Annual Report 2016

30 CORRIDOR RHINE-ALPINE – Annual Report 2016 Main Achievements of RFC Rhine-Alpine
Development of the international path products of RFC Rhine-Alpine
As can be seen in chapter 2.2, the volume of PaP offers, requests and allocations for TT 2017 stayed on the same level as in previous years. Due to major works, all figures were actually a bit lower than for TT 2016.
Applicants continued to express their concerns about the pre-arranged paths (PaP) product. Every applicant has its own individual production concept. As the PaP represents a standard product, it is not possible to correspond in detail to the specific needs of the applicants. In the con- text of a workshop with the corridor users, the possibility of a review of the PaP product was discussed. Based on the findings from the customers’ feedback, RFC Rhine- Alpine is reviewing the product. Changes are expected to include first improvements to the PaP offer for the time- table 2019. In addition, first thoughts concerning a more pragmatic involvement of the terminals in the publication of PaP supply were considered.
The process of requesting and allocating Reserve Capacity was fine-tuned in order to be able to achieve an offer in a timelier manner. Even if the Regulation (EU) 913/2010 foresees that the RFC focuses on PaPs and Reserve Capac- ity request, RFC Rhine-Alpine also intends to support the ad hoc process for requests less than 30 days before opera- tion as well. Approaches for facilitating the harmonisation on IM level were elaborated. A possible implementation is planned for 2017.
ERTMS deployment
In 2016 the focus of the RFC working group was changed from the monitoring of conceptual planning at IMs and MoTs and technical strategies to the supervision of first applications and the exchange of experiences. A workshop with several stakeholders identified and addressed critical issues for efficient and seamless cross-border operations with ERTMS (e. g. operational rules, loco equipment suitable for moving transition, planning stability). A recommendation has been given to the ExB that the railway sector in Europe urgently needs a common concept on how to migrate to ERTMS regarding the introduction of new lines and new software.
“First thoughts concerning a more pragmatic involvement of the terminals in the publication of PaP supply were considered.”