Federal Office of Transport, Switzerland - Defining an approach for introducing a national GSM-R network in Switzerland

Identifying the most appropriate railway communications and
signalling system

Establishing a comprehensive industry view, including network planning and cost modelling

In order to understand fully the complex situation in Switzerland, PA carried out interviews with different railway companies.  These helped to build an understanding of the needs of the railways and the capabilities of their existing systems.  The GSM-R system capabilities were analysed against the companies’ requirements which included the need for new
nation-wide applications.

PA carried out general network planning based on the railway tracks to be covered within a national roll-out.  The team then analysed, in more detail, the planning issues related to the Swiss terrain such as frequency planning at the country border.  The additional cost of providing guaranteed system availability required in ETCS level 2 was also assessed. 

In order to provide the client with an outline of the investment involved with a national GSM-R roll-out and operation, PA built a cost model accounting for infrastructure as well as terminal investment and operational cost.  PA also considered whether, from a cost perspective, the GSM-R implementation would be justifiable for the small railway companies in very hilly terrain.

With the migration to a new system, particularly in a safety critical environment, operational changes are unavoidable.  PA analysed which processes would be affected by changes.

To make GSM-R a success in a multi-railway environment like Switzerland,
an appropriate provider model is critical.  PA analysed different provider models, and recommended the one which would best serve the interests of the different railway companies.

Defining the strategy for GSM-R implementation and roll-out
One of the major benefits to the client was that PA provided a better understanding of the risks involved.  During our work, PA collected evidence that European-wide GSM-R implementations were taking off and this gave the client confidence that, with GSM-R, they were following the ‘European path’.

Having looked into the interests of the different railway companies, PA was able to assure the Federal Office of Transport that GSM-R would serve the needs of the majority of railway companies in Switzerland.  However, the GSM-R system might be ‘overkill’ for the needs of some of the small mountainous railway companies and therefore too expensive for them.

PA advised the client that, in order to make GSM-R a success in Switzerland, a consortium of different railway companies should create the GSM-R provider.  A GSM-R provider consisting of representatives of more than just the big railway companies would guarantee that the interests of all railway companies could be considered.

To find out more about our wireless technology capabilities, please contact us now.