Economic Evaluation of a Technological Leap in the Sector of Train Control and Signalling: The Case of German Regional Lines

This paper addresses the question of the economic benefits deriving from the application of satellite-based technologies in the rail sector, in particular in regional lines. The introduction of these technologies can generate a re-design of the control systems in the rail sector, reducing investments and operating costs, and increasing the capacity of railway lines, especially in the regional and local market. Therefore, it can be a source of efficiency for involved operators, increasing competitiveness and economic returns.The objective of this paper then is to present and discuss the results of the economic evaluation of the potential benefits deriving from the introduction of technologies based on the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) on the ERTMS/ETCS level 2 systems, adapted for regional lines, focusing on the German case study.The results presented in the paper come from a study of the wide program of researches promoted by ESA for the development of satellite technologies in the rail sector; in particular, it is part of the 3inSat “Train Integrated Safety Satellite System” Demonstration project”. The study has been realized with the close collaboration of Ansaldo STS, ESA, Deutche Bahn Netz and DLR (German Aerospace Agency).