Installing STM-ATB or EVC-C in your rail vehicle: compact, fast and efficient

A retrofit may seem the obvious solution, but it is costly, and both conversion time and approval can take a long time. The alternative is a retrofit using ICT InTraffic’s EVC-C or STM-ATB: quick and easy to install, and requiring relatively little space. Wilko in ’t Anker and Pieter Kal explain how it works.

The Netherlands, together with the rest of the European Union, is transitioning to the European Train Control System, or ETCS. However, ETCS implementation is not progressing at the same pace everywhere. The shift from local train protection systems to ETCS will take place in phases, with substantial differences between countries and networks. This means that operators who want to keep running will need to be able to operate under both ETCS and the relevant local train protection system. In the Netherlands, that system is ATB. Making rolling stock suitable for both systems is far from straightforward.

“STM-ATB is designed precisely for these situations,” says Pieter Kal, senior business consultant at ICT InTraffic.”

“STM-ATB enables ETCS-equipped trains to operate safely on Dutch ATB routes,” he explains. “It decodes ATB signals and translates them into information that the on-board ETCS system can interpret. We supply the national blueprint design as a standard product and can also develop alternatives for countries with other train protection systems. We can also supply STM-ATB to new entrants to the Dutch market, and aim to provide an accessible point of contact for the sector. In every case, we can support the entire process, from hardware and software through to verification and support.”

STM-ATB solution

“How does it work? It’s simple,” says Kal. “The Standard Transmission Module (STM) connects the existing Dutch Automatic Train Protection system (ATB) to the new European Train Control System (ETCS) in the locomotive. STM-ATB decodes ATB trackside signals, translates them into a maximum permitted speed and presents this to the driver via cab signalling. If the limit is exceeded, the system issues a warning and automatically intervenes with a braking command via ETCS. This enables operators, vehicle suppliers and infrastructure managers to make a controlled transition to the new train protection system, while maintaining safety, availability and interoperability, and at an attractive cost.”

EVC-Compact solution

Conversely, rolling stock that does not yet have ETCS on board will also need to be converted. ICT InTraffic has a solution for this as well. “EVC-C is the European Vital Computer in a compact version,” says Wilko in ’t Anker, commercial director at ICT InTraffic. “EVC-C makes an ETCS retrofit feasible for small series and specialist vehicles, such as maintenance and inspection vehicles, shunting locomotives and work equipment, with lower costs, less downtime and predictable certification,” he explains.

EVC-C is a compact ETCS on-board solution for retrofit projects involving small series and specialist rail vehicles. “EVC-C provides exactly the functionality required for the intended use and the national context,” says in ’t Anker. This brings several benefits, including reduced integration risks, limited impact on the vehicles and a shorter lead time towards authorisation.

“Both STM-ATB and EVC-C can be integrated into virtually any vehicle. “We have already successfully completed several projects for NS, as well as for VolkerRail and various vehicle manufacturers, says in ’t Anker. It always fits, or we make it fit.”

With EVC-C, the C really does stand for compact. It means we can build a small cabinet that can, if necessary, be installed on a platform or in any available space on the train.”

Experience it for yourself at InnoTrans

Owners of small fleets, maintenance trains, legacy trains, freight trains and measurement trains will be able to see and experience how it works at InnoTrans 2026. “Visitors can explore our compact European Vital Computer (EVC-C) and STM-ATB solution for themselves,” says Kal. The system will be operated via a Driver Machine Interface (DMI). Visitors can take a seat at the controls and discover how traction and braking behaviour are monitored to ensure safe operation in line with the applicable regulations. “And I can tell you,” he adds with a smile, “if you are not a fully trained train driver, it is not quite as easy as it looks.”

ICT InTraffic will be at InnoTrans in Berlin from Tuesday 22 to Friday 25 September 2026 at Messe Berlin, hall 4.1, stand 880. The company will also be represented in the NL Pavilion.