VECTRON UP4B3: ETCS Baseline 3 upgrade of the most interoperable locomotive fleet in the EU

2026-07-22

The VECTRON UP4B3 project covers the serial upgrade of 153 multisystem Vectron locomotives with a new ETCS Baseline 3 system. For all vehicles, the upgrade to Baseline 3 is mandatory, since they have been authorised within the transition period of the 4th Railway Package. Siemens Mobility is responsible for the on-board deployment and authorisation of the vehicles, bearing all related costs. The project builds on the results of the prototype Action 2019-DE-TM-0161-W, which allowed to obtain the relevant type authorisations. Together with the VECTRON FIT4B3 (fitment of 300 locomotives with ETCS Baseline 3), the VECTRON UP4B3 project contributes to the achievement of the EU's objectives in the field of ERTMS and interoperability and promotes sustainable railway transport in line with the Green Deal. With over 2.700 units sold, the Vectron platform is among the most popular locomotives in the European Union, trusted by over 100 railway undertakings and fleet owners every day. Since its introduction in 2011, the Vectron fleet has been running over 1 billion km on the European railway network and did become indispensable for the sector. Vectron is also the most interoperable locomotive platform in the EU with authorisations in 20 European countries. Its modular architecture allows flexible combinations of ETCS and national train protection system according to the specific transport needs. Some vehicles are authorised for operation in up to 12 different countries. This innovative concept is an enabler for cross-border railway traffic and a true game-changer to achieve the Single European Railway Area. The Vectron's success is based on Siemens Mobility's consistent investment in the further development of the Control, Command and Signalling (CCS) architecture. Over the past 15 years, these investments enabled to keep the platform up to date with the evolving requirements from different European CCS TSIs (2012, 2016, 2023). The Vectron's innovative platform concept ensures the adaptability of the entire fleet, making new developments equally available to all users.

Germany

2026-01-01