European Rail Traffic Management System retrofit programme

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), the largest train operator in the Netherlands, is retrofitting its fleet of 176 double deck VIRM passenger EMUs as part of the national programme to extend the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) across the Dutch rail network.

WSP was appointed to support NS by preparing the Specification of System and Process Requirements (SSPR) and the Verification and Validation substantiation report, providing the technical and process requirements needed for inclusion in the formal EU tender documents.

Location

Netherlands

Client

Nederlandse Spoorwegen

Upgrading the VIRM fleet

As part of the programme to extend ERTMS, the European standard for Automatic Train Protection, across the Dutch network, NS committed to retrofitting the necessary onboard equipment to its fleet of VIRM passenger trains.

The VIRM units were originally built to operate on domestic intercity routes. To run on lines fitted with ERTMS Level 2, the vehicles need to be equipped with an ERTMS European Vital Computer, appropriate radio communication systems, a Train Interface Unit, an odometry system, and a Juridical Recording Unit.

Given the scale and complexity of the retrofit, any delays could directly impact fleet availability and the ability to maintain existing service levels. NS therefore required a clear, comprehensive specification to support a robust and unbiased procurement process.

VIRM double deck passenger EMUs in scope

176

Year contract was awarded to Siemens Mobility

2022

Programme completion expected date

2030

Period vehicles were built

'94 & '09

Onboard retrofit programme

Level 2

body-ertms-rail-fleet-retrofit-programme

Defining system requirements

Our team worked closely with NS staff to define the technical and process requirements for the retrofit and to draft both the SSPR and the Verification and Validation substantiation report.

Our role included providing a lead engineer with detailed knowledge of both ERTMS technology and the VIRM platform, supported by requirements engineers with in‑depth understanding of ERTMS and its subcomponents, including GSM‑R.

IREB‑certified requirements managers were assigned to establish the requirements management process and to support NS in managing the Polarion requirements tool used throughout the programme.

Clear path to delivery

Drawing on our experts’ experience and technical input, the SSPR was prepared in line with the planned schedule.

The document defined the functional requirements of the refitted fleet, along with delivery timeframes and performance expectations for the successful supplier. The SSPR enabled potential suppliers to understand the full scope of the programme and assess their ability to meet the requirements, either individually or as part of a consortium. This supported an unbiased tender process and encouraged more suitable and competitive bids.

In 2022, NS awarded the contract to retrofit the entire VIRM fleet to Siemens Mobility, covering onboard equipment, installation support, and specified maintenance services.

Once complete in 2030, the programme will allow the full fleet to operate on ERTMS routes for the remainder of its service life, while meeting European standards for safety and interoperability.

This project was completed by Ricardo plc, now part of WSP.