---
title: "Signalling, train control and communications"
url: "https://www.systra.com/en/markets/signalling-train-control-and-communications/"
type: markets
date_published: 2026-08-27
date_modified: 2026-08-27
schema:
  @type: WebPage
language: en-US
word_count: 1477
reading_time: 8 min
canonical: "https://www.systra.com/en/markets/signalling-train-control-and-communications/"
featured_image: "https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/controle-commande-pcc-scaled.jpg"
type-market:
  - Systems engineering
---

# Signalling, train control and communications

![Signalling, train control and communications](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/controle-commande-pcc-scaled.jpg)

## Critical systems for safer, higher-capacity and more efficient transport networks

Signalling, train control and communications systems are central to the
performance of transport networks. They control routes, protect train movements,
supervise operations and transmit critical information between trains, trackside
equipment, onboard systems and control centres.

SYSTRA supports operators, infrastructure managers and transport authorities in
the design, modernisation and migration of these systems, across railways,
metros and guided transport networks, on both new lines and operating networks.

## On this page

[Three transformations shaping transport systems](https://www.systra.com/en/markets/signalling-train-control-and-communications/#three-transformations)

[Our areas of expertise](https://www.systra.com/en/markets/signalling-train-control-and-communications/#areas-of-expertise)

[SYSTRA’s added value](https://www.systra.com/en/markets/signalling-train-control-and-communications/#systra-s-added-value)

[Get in touch](https://www.systra.com/en/markets/signalling-train-control-and-communications/#Get-in-touch)

[See our brochure](https://www.systra.com/en/markets/signalling-train-control-and-communications/#brochure)

## Key points

- Signalling, train control and communications systems are key to the safety,
  capacity and quality of service of transport networks.
- The sector is undergoing three major global transformations: driving
  automation, deployment of ERTMS/ETCS, and preparation for FRMCS.
- SYSTRA covers the full chain: signalling, train control systems, automation,
  critical communications, supervision, integration and migration.
- Our teams work worldwide, in highly diverse technical, operational and
  regulatory contexts.

## Three transformations shaping transport systems

Automation, ERTMS and FRMCS are changing how transport networks are operated,
supervised and connected, creating new opportunities for capacity, reliability
and service performance. 

![rail-signalling](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/rail-signalling-1-1024x645.png)

### Automation: operating networks with greater precision

Automation is transforming how trains are driven and networks are supervised. In
metro systems, CBTC — Communication-Based Train Control — enables precise train
localisation, shorter headways and more regular operations. Depending on the
level of automation, these systems can support the driver, automate specific
functions or enable driverless operation.

### ERTMS: strengthening interoperability and modernising train control

ERTMS — European Rail Traffic Management System — is a reference framework for
railway signalling and train control. Developed in Europe, it is now used in
many regions of the world for high-speed, freight, cross-border interoperability
and existing line modernisation projects.

Its main component, ETCS — European Train Control System — supervises train
movements and transmits the information required for safe operation to the
driver or onboard system: movement authorities, speed limits and braking
distances. The transition to ETCS Level 2 is a major step: it strengthens cab
signalling and uses radio communications to transmit critical information
between trackside systems and trains.

Its deployment involves trackside equipment, rolling stock, interlockings,
telecommunications, control centres, operating rules, testing, training and
safety authorities.

### FRMCS: preparing the next generation of railway communications

FRMCS — Future Railway Mobile Communication System — is expected to replace
GSM-R on railway networks globally starting in 2035.

FRMCS will carry critical voice and data communications, support ETCS-related
use cases, strengthen network resilience and enable new digital services such as
real-time supervision, predictive maintenance, video surveillance, passenger
information and operational applications.

Preparing for FRMCS means anticipating operational needs, migration scenarios,
available spectrum, radio coverage, cybersecurity, fallback solutions and
coexistence with existing systems.

[Read our Expert’s Insight on SYSTRA Australia & New Zealand website:
FRMCS: The Future of Radio Communications in railways

## Our areas of expertise

From early-stage studies to commissioning, SYSTRA supports the systems that
control, automate and connect railways, metros and guided transport networks. 

![train-control-systems](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/train-control-systems-1024x645.png)

### Signalling, train control and automation

SYSTRA supports clients across the full lifecycle of signalling, train control
and automation systems: early-stage studies, requirements definition, design,
procurement support, integration, testing, commissioning and migration.

Our teams work on mainline, high-speed, metro, tramway, freight and
mixed-traffic systems.

Our expertise covers:

- **Signalling and train protection systems:** ERTMS, ETCS, CBTC, ATP —
  Automatic Train Protection —, cab signalling, interlockings and signalling
  control systems;
- **Supervision and automation systems: **ATO — Automatic Train Operation —, ATS
  — Automatic Train Supervision —, traffic management, SCADA — Supervisory
  Control and Data Acquisition — and operational control centres, referred to as
  PCC or OCC depending on the context;
- **Interfaces** between signalling, telecommunications, rolling stock, power
  supply, operations and maintenance;
- **Migration, testing and commissioning** strategies for new and existing
  networks.

Our approach helps secure technical choices, control interfaces and ensure that
the systems delivered meet real operational needs.

### Associated references

### Critical communications for rail and urban networks

Critical communications support essential operational functions: ground-to-train
communications, signalling data, supervision, video surveillance, passenger
information, safety communications, transmission between equipment and real-time
data flows.

SYSTRA supports clients in defining, designing, integrating and migrating
critical communications networks for railways, metros and guided transport
systems.

Our expertise covers:

- **Radio networks**: GSM-R, TETRA, LTE, Wi-Fi and FRMCS for communications
  between trains, trackside equipment and control centres;
- **Fixed networks**: fibre optics, IP/MPLS, Ethernet and transmission systems;
- Network **coverage**, **capacity**, **availability**, **resilience** and
  **cybersecurity**;
- **Integration** with ERTMS, CBTC, control centres and onboard systems;
- **Migration** strategies from existing systems.

### Focus: preparing the transition to FRMCS

For railway networks, the transition from GSM-R to FRMCS must be prepared well
in advance. It involves structural decisions on future network needs, migration
scenarios, spectrum strategy, coverage levels, interfaces with ETCS,
cybersecurity and fallback solutions.

SYSTRA supports this transition from strategic studies through to deployment
preparation: existing-system assessment, roadmap, functional requirements,
business case, procurement strategy, integration and obsolescence management.

The objective is to enable a progressive, controlled migration that remains
compatible with day-to-day network operations.

[See our FRMCS Brochure](https://www.systra.com/en/markets/signalling-train-control-and-communications/#brochure)

### Associated References

### Integration, migration and commissioning

The performance of a signalling, train control or communications system depends
on its integration with the wider network.

SYSTRA supports clients in interface management, requirements verification, test
preparation, commissioning and migration strategies in live operating
environments. This approach helps reduce technical risks, control costs and
secure the transition to commercial operation.

[Learn more about our systems integration expertise](https://www.systra.com/en/markets/systems-integration/)

## SYSTRA’s added value

SYSTRA brings together system-wide expertise, international experience and
independent advice to help clients make robust choices and manage complex
migrations.

![train-control-systems](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/train-control-systems-1-1024x645.png)

### A holistic view

SYSTRA works at the intersection of signalling, telecommunications, rolling
stock, operations, maintenance and safety. This system-wide view helps
anticipate the impact of technical decisions across the entire network.

### Control of complex migrations

Modernising a transport system while maintaining operations requires an approach
tailored to each context: migration scenarios, phasing, testing, fallback
procedures, training, stakeholder coordination and risk management.

SYSTRA supports these key stages across very different networks: high-speed
lines, automated metros, dense urban networks, freight corridors, intercity
lines and cross-border infrastructure.

### Independence from suppliers

SYSTRA helps clients define their needs, compare solutions, prepare procurement
processes and secure technical choices. Our approach is guided by safety,
performance, maintainability and long-term value for the network.

This independence is essential in projects where decisions will shape operations
for several decades.

### International expertise, adapted to local contexts

Our teams work in highly varied regulatory, technical and operational
environments: Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East,
Africa and Australia.

This international experience enables us to transfer best practices from one
market to another, while taking local constraints into account.

## Get in touch

**Are you preparing a systems modernisation project?**

SYSTRA can help you define your roadmap, secure your technical choices and
successfully migrate your signalling, train control and communications systems.

### Talk to our experts

![FRMCS Brochure EN](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/frmcs-brochure-en-1024x683.png)

### see our frmcs brochure

Preparing Mass Transit and Rail for the end of GSM-R and TETRA from 2035.

[DOWNLOAD](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/systra-frmcs_brochure-planches.pdf)

## Check our other markets

[
![Power](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/energie-et-alimentation-scaled.jpg)

### Power

[
![Operation & Maintenance](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/exploitation-et-maintenance-2-scaled.jpg)

### Operation & Maintenance

[
![Healthcare](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/header_sante_marche.jpg)

### Healthcare

[
![Bridges & Viaducts](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/pont-header-panama.png)

### Bridges & Viaducts

[
![Conventional Rail](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/canada-go-expansion3-scaled-1.jpg)

### Conventional Rail

[
![Systems integration](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/integration-des-systemes-scaled.jpg)

### Systems integration

[
![Freight](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/er-etihad-rail-1-scaled.jpg)

### Freight

[
![Stations](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/uk-mep-project-edited.jpg)

### Stations

[
![Bus Rapid Transit](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/usa-31060-gettyimages-1140362440.jpg)

### Bus Rapid Transit

[
![Commercial & Mixed-Use](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/img_header_loc_comerciaux.jpg)

### Commercial & Mixed-Use