Alstom Traxx Universal: ETCS Approval Boosts Czech Rail

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Introduction

Alstom announced on 5 September 2025, that the European Railway Agency (ERA) has granted type approval for its Traxx Universal locomotive equipped with the EbiCab 2000 European Train Control System (ETCS). This approval facilitates enhanced interoperability and efficient freight operations across Europe.

Type Approval and Compliance

The type approval, announced on 5 September 2025, enables Czech freight carriers to expand seamless cross-border operations across Europe. The approved onboard system complies with ETCS Baseline 3, the latest European standard for unified signalling. This allows the locomotives to operate seamlessly along multiple international corridors, eliminating the complexity of legacy signalling systems. The certification also restores access to Austrian routes, where ETCS-only operations are now mandated on dual-equipped Class B lines.

Alstom’s Perspective

“Cross-border traffic is very important for freight transport in Europe. With the fully approved version VR01.5, our customers can continue to operate locomotives on corridors in Germany, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Luxembourg, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia. This is an important step not only for us at Alstom, but for European rail interoperability as a whole,” said Dan Kurucz, Managing Director of Alstom for Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Impact on Czech Freight Carriers

The approval is particularly significant for Czech freight carriers such as RegioJet and ČD Cargo, who operate Traxx 388 series locomotives. Thirteen locomotives for the RegioJet Pool (388 219–231) have already been delivered with the upgraded VR01.5 software. Six units entered service in November 2024 under a Czech State Railways test permit, and the remaining seven are now cleared for international deployment.

ČD Cargo’s fleet of Traxx 388 locomotives, still running the earlier VR01.2 software without ETCS capability, will undergo upgrades to the approved version. This will progressively extend their operational flexibility across borders.

For intermodal operator Metrans, 386 series locomotives will be equipped with Onvia Cab (formerly Atlas) onboard units, further expanding ETCS-based interoperability across its services.

Future Implications

The introduction of ETCS Baseline 3 on Traxx Universal locomotives reinforces Europe’s ambition to establish a single, standardised train control system. For Czech operators, the approval strengthens their competitive position in European logistics by reducing operating constraints, improving safety, and increasing efficiency on busy freight corridors.

By enabling full international deployment of these locomotives, the ERA approval underlines the role of ETCS as the backbone of Europe’s future rail operations and supports the long-term shift towards interoperable, sustainable freight transport.

Conclusion

The European Railway Agency (ERA) has approved the Traxx Universal locomotive equipped with the EbiCab 2000 ETCS, which enables enhanced interoperability and efficient freight operations. The approval allows seamless cross-border operations for Czech freight carriers, supporting Europe’s move towards a standardized train control system.

Company Summary

Alstom: Alstom is the company that developed the Traxx Universal locomotive.

RegioJet: RegioJet is a Czech freight carrier.

ČD Cargo: ČD Cargo is a Czech freight carrier.

Metrans: Metrans is an intermodal operator.

Technology

EbiCab 2000: The European Train Control System (ETCS) implemented on the Traxx Universal locomotive.

ETCS Baseline 3: The latest European standard for unified signalling.

Onvia Cab: Onboard units, formerly known as Atlas, for the 386 series locomotives.

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