Applications for ERTMS Trackside Approval (TAs)

Who must apply for an ERTMS trackside approval?

The applicant means a natural or legal person that requests the Agency approval of the technical solutions envisaged. The applicant can be the same entity that later will request the authorisation for placing in service fixed installations. The applicant should submit its request for application before any call for tenders relating to ERTMS trackside equipment.

How do I make an application?

Applicants should read the Commission Recommendation on the harmonised implemented of ERTMS in the Union and the related application guide which provides information about the legislation, application process and what is required from the applicant.

All applications for an ERTMS trackside approval must be electronically submitted through the One-Stop Shop (OSS).

The Agency and the applicant then can engage in a dialogue (called ‘Initial Engagement’) where the applicant is expected to present the intended project and further details of the technical solutions envisaged that defines the scope of the request for approval. As a result of this dialogue, the applicant and the Agency can confirm the scope of the application and arrange an effective application. Official requests for initial engagement should be submitted through the One-Stop Shop (OSS).

The National Safety Authority or Authorities (NSAs) involved in the authorisation can collaborate in the initial engagement stage and provide an opinion on the proposal of arrangements with the applicant and can also provide an opinion in later stages of the approval process.

For the assessment of application for an ERTMS trackside approval, the Agency applies fees and charges pursuant to Articles 1 and 3 of Commission implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/764 of 2 May 2018, as amended, on the fees and charges payable to the European Union Agency for Railways and their conditions of payment.

The calculation of the fees and charges is foreseen in Article 3 of the aforementioned Regulation.

Where can I find the decision about my application?

All decisions following an application for an ERTMS trackside approval can be found in the One-Stop Shop (OSS). The Applicant can only access information pertaining to its respective applications.

When does the ERTMS Trackside approval apply?

The ERTMS trackside approval applies to any call for tenders relating to ERTMS trackside equipment which are launched after (or were launched before but have not been closed on the date of) 16 June 2019 or, 16 June 2020 in respect of those Member States that have notified the Agency and the Commission in accordance with Article 57(2) of Directive (EU) 2016/797 or, 31 October 2020 in respect of those Member States that have notified the Agency and the Commission in accordance with Article 57(2a) of Directive (EU) 2016/797 (as amended by Directive (EU) 2020/700).

Even though the ERTMS trackside approval is requested for the authorisation of trackside subsystems involving ERTMS, as mentioned in Directive (EU) 2016/797, other transitional provisions are defined in Article 55 of this Directive. Due to these transitional provisions, and for the cases of any ERTMS trackside equipment which was not yet subject to an approval, the Agency must be informed before authorising the placing in service.