Future-proof Safety System

From May 1, 2025, until July 31, 2025, entrepreneurs who want to adapt their locomotives can apply for the subsidy. The subsidy scheme is an important step in the implementation of the future-proof safety system for trains ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) in the Netherlands.

Connection Kijfhoek-Belgian Border

The aim of the ERTMS subsidy for freight locomotives is that freight locomotives are converted by 2030. In that year, ERTMS will be commercially used in the connection Kijfhoek–Belgian border. Kijfhoek is the largest marshalling yard in the Netherlands, near the Rotterdam ports. By 2050, the entire main rail network is expected to have the digital safety system.

Adapting Freight Locomotives

This means that railway companies must adapt their rolling stock in time. The ERTMS subsidy is available for owners of railway companies with freight locomotives. Leasing companies with freight locomotives may also apply. Besides adapting rolling stock, the subsidy is intended to develop prototypes of a series of freight locomotives.

Subsidy for Half of the Conversion Costs

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management allocates €41 million. RVO implements the subsidy scheme. Of this, a small 10% is for the development of prototypes. With the subsidy, entrepreneurs finance half of the costs incurred for the serial conversion of a freight locomotive. This goes up to a maximum of €200,000. This includes the purchase and installation of equipment and software. Labor costs are also covered by the subsidy, as well as expenses incurred because a locomotive may not be in use temporarily due to the conversion.

ERTMS: Safer, More Reliable, Faster

The Netherlands is preparing for the future by switching from an analog to a digital safety system. ERTMS makes the rail safer, more reliable, and faster. It creates more space on the tracks. Crossing international borders by train becomes easier. Information about speeds and braking distances is sent via a digital system to the driver. All information needed to operate the train is displayed on a screen in the cabin. Signals along the track will disappear. The transition from an analog to a digital system requires a lot from the sector and is a major change task.