EU derogation supports progress of Digirail and strengthens Finland’s pioneering role in rail digitalisation

Finland is currently renewing its railway traffic management and train control systems as part of the Digirail project and the deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). In the new system, communication between trains and the train control system will be based on radio connections.

The decision requires Finland to apply the national regulation currently in force in Finland on pre-FRMCS data radio communication (TRAFICOM/328892/03.04.02.00/2026), and to notify the Commission of any situations where compliance with the derogation could jeopardise the safety of the rail system. 

Solution supports Digirail objectives and reduces costs

The possibility provided by the derogation to use commercial mobile networks in the implementation of Digirail is a significant solution for Finland both technically and financially. It means that Finland will not need to build a separate nationwide communications network dedicated solely to railway use. Instead, the system can rely on commercial networks maintained and continuously developed by telecommunications operators.

“The derogation supports Finland’s long-term objective of building the rail system of the future in a cost-effective and technology-neutral way. The decision allows us to develop Digirail by making use of existing communications infrastructure and its continuous development,” says Director Heidi Niemimuukko at the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom.

Derogation achieved through extensive cooperation

Traficom played a key role in preparing and applying for the derogation from the European Commission. Traficom has also supported this objective by promoting Finland’s common positions in the EU committees and decision-making structures in which the Agency has had an official role.

However, the derogation could not have been obtained without extensive national cooperation. It is the result of more than a decade of work in which experts from the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and the Digirail project have developed and tested the technical basis for the solution and raised awareness of it in Europe. 

“This is an excellent example of what can be achieved through sustained cooperation. Our shared objective has been to find a solution that works for Finland, and open dialogue, constructive challenge and the commitment of the different parties along the way have been crucial to the success,” emphasises Une Tyynilä, Chief Specialist at Traficom.

Finland continues to develop solutions for the future

The derogation supports the development of railway communications and provides an opportunity to gain practical experience of the solution. This experience can also be shared to support the further development of European regulation. The objective of the Digirail project is to ensure a safe, reliable and cost-effective railway system that makes the most efficient possible use of existing digital infrastructure.