Rail is the future: more and more people want to use public transport for a variety of reasons. This makes it all the more important to meet this demand by increasing capacity. However, tighter schedules and more vehicles on the tracks also mean potentially more susceptibility to disruption. The Verband Region Stuttgart and DB Regio have decided to counter this with a very special solution:

ETCS (European Train Control System), the European standardized train control system developed for high-speed traffic, is to be used for the first time in Germany for highly congested S-Bahn areas. The Stuttgart region is the first major railroad junction to be equipped with digital interlockings and the European Train Control System ETCS as part of the Stuttgart Digital Junction project. The node is a pilot project as part of the "Digital Rail Germany" starter package.

ETCS is used to control and influence train movements on the rail network. ETCS monitors, for example, whether a train is allowed to travel on a section of track, as well as its speed. ETCS Level 2 is to be introduced in Stuttgart. This means that the conventional signaling systems along the route can be dispensed with. The track signals only exist virtually and the corresponding information is displayed directly to the driver in the driver's cab in advance. Data is transmitted continuously and in both directions.

With ETCS Level 2, trains can enter the station closer together. This means that previous stop time overruns can be compensated for much better. The "build-up" of train delays is reduced. In addition, the introduction of ETCS provides the basis for an increase in speed on the main line.

For example, blocks up to 30 meters short will be formed on the particularly busy S-Bahn main line. ETCS shortens the train sequence by around half a minute or around 35 percent.

In order to be able to effectively implement the denser operation of the network, the Verband Region Stuttgart has procured a total of 58 new trains, which will provide the necessary increase in capacity on the network. In addition, operating times will be significantly extended.

The new technology will be put into operation step by step. The first part of the new interlocking (still with conventional signals) is due to go into operation at the beginning of 2024, after which the ETCS system will be put through its paces before the core of the node is put into operation with ETCS under high performance requirements in 2025.

In the following years, ATO GoA 2 (a type of remote-controlled cruise control), a traffic management system (CTMS) and the new rail operations radio FRMCS will be used.

The new possibilities with ETCS are to be implemented directly for S-Bahn passengers. In addition to a significant stabilization of the S-Bahn timetable, the following additions are initially planned in the core area:

• Complete long train formation, consisting of three vehicles, during rush hour. This will not only provide additional capacity, but will also speed up passenger changes and thus contribute to greater punctuality.
• When the new technology comes into operation, four more trains per hour will run from the northern branch via Schwabstraße to Stuttgart-Vaihingen. Two of these will continue to Böblingen. Many passengers would then no longer have to change trains at the main station, which could help to further stabilize operations there.

As usual with such a large project, the financing is made up of different components:

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