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Driver operating a modern high-speed train cab with digital controls, representing advanced railway systems and certification processes.

Establishing a structured framework for TSI certification and authorisation

Training provided for:

  • TSI certification (NoBo) system for locomotives, passenger rolling stocks and freight wagons
  • NNTR certification (DeBo) and risk assessment (AsBo) systems for locomotives, passenger rolling stocks and freight wagons
  • Risk assessment (AsBo) systems
  • Access process for railway products to the European Union
  • EC certificate system and standard for European Union rolling stock equipment and products

Our approach

The project addressed the need to strengthen organisational knowledge and capability in relation to Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) certification and the accreditation process for acting as a Notified Body (NoBo). The customer is involved in high-speed rail systems and required a structured understanding of authorisation processes applicable to rolling stock and infrastructure projects.

Increasing regulatory complexity and evolving European authorisation requirements made it necessary to build internal competence in certification workflows, roles, and responsibilities. The objective of the project was to establish a clear, practical and reliable framework for understanding, structuring, and managing TSI-related authorisation activities across different project types.

PROSE delivered interactive, on-site training workshops tailored to the customer’s specific role and regulatory context. Our approach combined structured theoretical input with practical examples drawn from real TSI certification and authorisation projects across the European railway sector.

Key elements of the TSI framework, the NNTRs, the CSM Regulation, the role of a Notified Body (NoBo), a Designated Body (DeBo), an Independent Assessment Body (AsBo), and typical certification and authorisation processes were explained step by step and discussed in detail with the participants. Throughout the workshops, PROSE addressed customer-specific questions and scenarios, ensuring direct applicability to ongoing and future activities.

Customer benefit

Through its collaboration with PROSE, the client gained a clear, structured and practical understanding of the certification and approval processes in accordance with the TSI, NNTR and other safety regulations. The training strengthened internal competence and confidence in dealing with regulatory requirements and interactions with external stakeholders.

PROSE’s independent position and broad industry experience ensured an objective and practice-oriented perspective, grounded in real-world railway projects. This enabled the customer to build sustainable internal know-how, reduce dependency on external clarification, and establish a solid foundation for future certification and accreditation activities.

TILO FLIRT train of SBB in Switzerland during service life extension project, modern electric multiple unit on track.

Vehicle life extension TILO FLIRT

Customer: SBB, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Overall project management of the TILO FLIRT service life extension
  • Project reporting to the steering committee
  • Project planning and realisation of the detailed concept phase
  • Funding application ARPV
  • Project planning and implementation of the realisation phase
  • Leading the SBB project team

Our approach

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) operates 54 Flirt trains with TILO. These trains were purchased in five phases between 2007 and 2020 and were designed for a service life of 25 years. In order to be able to replace all TILO Flirt trains simultaneously as part of a new procurement project, SBB plans to extend the service life of the two oldest sub-fleets to 32 years.

PROSE is responsible for the overall management of the project to extend the service life of the TILO train fleet. Over 2 ½ years, we led a dedicated project team within SBB, ensuring seamless collaboration between customer requirements, technology, development, production, quality, and supply chain management.

A key milestone was the detailed concept phase, where PROSE’s structured approach ensured that requirements management, technical concept development, and prototype conversion were all completed on time and within budget. Our expertise in certification played a crucial role in securing the necessary licences for both Switzerland and Italy, a fundamental step in keeping the project on track.
PROSE also spearheaded the successful funding application (ARPV) to the responsible cantons and the Federal Office of Transport (FOT), securing approval to finance the conversion of the entire fleet of 30 trains.

During the production phase, we worked closely with the SBB production plant to ensure a smooth transition to series conversion. With production successfully underway, PROSE carefully handed over the project to SBB, ensuring continued progress and a reliable future for the TILO fleet.

Customer benefit

With PROSE as a partner, the customer benefits from comprehensive expertise in the areas of project management, stakeholder management, project planning, change management and cost control. An entrepreneurial approach, sound technical knowledge, but also knowledge of SBB processes and organisation are essential for successful project implementation.

Beyond technical know-how, our understanding of SBB’s processes and organisation was a key factor in keeping the project on track. By working with PROSE, the customer was able to bridge resource gaps, tap into our extensive railway industry network, and benefit from independent, expert advice that led to a successful project outcome.

 

    

Illustration of a connected train with C-DAS and ATO trackside platform showing automated train operation, data connectivity and driver advisory system.

Co-leading the Driver Advisory System and trackside platform for Automated Train Operation

Customer: Rhätische Bahn AG, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Project management
  • Requirements capture
  • Conceptdevelopment
  • Bogie andcarbody development
  • System integration

Our approach

Rhätische Bahn AG (RhB) plans to introduce a smart cruise control (SCC) function on its latest generation of multiple units as part of their automation strategy. The SCC function specifies an optimised speed and controls acceleration and braking between two station stops. In accordance with SN EN 62267, the SCC function is classified as Grade of Automation 1 (GoA1), as speed monitoring under the operating regulations (FDV) continues to be carried out by the locomotive crew.

A trackside platform (xx-TS) is planned for the SCC function. This trackside platform provides the necessary route and timetable data. It is based on existing specifications such as Automated Train Operation over European Train Control System (ATO over ETCS) in accordance with the Technical Specification for Interoperability relating to Control-Command and Signalling Subsystems (TSI CCS) and Connected Driver Advisory System (C-DAS). After registering with the train number, the train receives journey and segment profiles in accordance with SUBSET-126/SFERA. Transmission takes place via a mobile communications interface.

With the introduction of a Traffic Management System (TMS), a networked driver assistance system (C-DAS) will also be implemented, which displays energy-efficient and conflict-free driving recommendations based on optimised production specifications from the TMS.

PROSE was involved in the railway automation programme as co-project manager. We implemented a four-stage approach within the ATO-TS/C-DAS project:

  1. Existing requirements and specifications for the operational target vision were recorded and compared with the status quo of the ATO, TMS and C-DAS systems.
  2. Once the target vision and target architecture had been defined, a structured market evaluation was carried out and interviews were conducted with various system providers.
  3. Based on the market evaluation, a two-stage assessment of the solution options was carried out and proposals for the procurement strategy were developed.
  4. Further steps were implemented for the ATO-TS and C-DAS subsystems, including the execution of an RFI and in-depth analyses with selected providers.

Customer benefit

Thanks to our previous involvement in the railway automation programme and our combined operational and technical expertise, we were able to structure and advance the project with clear direction and efficiency.

Based on our market knowledge and cross-project experience, we were able to develop solution scenarios tailored to RhB’s operating environment. We moderated structured discussions with internal experts and programme participants, creating transparent decision-making and a solid foundation for the next implementation phase.

PROSE provided independent technical assessment, clear methodology and procurement support, laying the foundation for a clearly defined architecture and reduced implementation risk.

 

  

 

Illustration of a tpf train between Planchy depot and Bulle station showing automated shunting operations and digital signalling.

Conducting a feasibility study for fully automated shunting operations

Customer: tpf SA, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Project management
  • Operational target
  • Technical feasibility assessment
  • Analysis of operational processes
  • Cost-benefit analysis

Our approach

The metre-gauge rolling stock used by the transport publics fribourgeois (tpf) operating on the Palézieux – Bulle – Montbovon line is maintained at the Planchy depot in the industrial zone of Bulle. The distance between Bulle station and the depot is around one kilometre. In current operations, staff must walk between the station and depot to perform shunting movements, which limits operational efficiency.

As part of recent service expansion , the infrastructure around Bulle has been modernised to current technical standards. In parallel with the planned modernisation of the Planchy maintenance facility, tpf investigated whether fully automated shunting operations using Automatic Train Operation Grade of Automation 4 (ATO GoA4) could be implemented with the existing vehicle fleet within the Planchy – Bulle area. The study assessed technical feasibility, operational implications, and the economic viability of introducing automated shunting.

PROSE supported tpf SA throughout the entire feasibility study in a structured, multi-stage process involving operational, technical, and management stakeholders. We first analysed the current operational processes, infrastructure, and regulatory conditions. Based on this, we jointly developed a target operating concept for automated shunting.

To evaluate possible implementation strategies, PROSE performed a risk analysis and developed several technically consistent solution variants using a morphological analysis method. These options were then compared through a transparent cost-benefit assessment, enabling a structured evaluation of technical feasibility and operational impact.

Customer benefit

tpf SA received a clear and independent decision basis for the further development of the Planchy maintenance site.

Thanks to the efficient approach, initial results were quickly developed in collaboration with tpf experts and presented to management. Technical feasibility, operational implications and economic effects were presented in a comprehensible and transparent manner.

With our expertise in railway operations and ATO realistic implementation scenarios were developed and efficiently aligned with internal stakeholders. PROSE also supported tpf in initial discussions with potential system suppliers, strengthening tpf’s technical and strategic position.

 

  

ETCS Level 2 rollout planning with integrated infrastructure, operations and rolling stock lifecycle coordination.

Planning the integrated rollout of ETCS Level 2

Customer: BLS Netz AG, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Project management
  • Integrated rollout planning
  • Cost assessment
  • Stakeholder management
  • Long-term planning

Our approach

As part of the ERTMS strategy of the Federal Office of Transport (FOT), Swiss infrastructure operators developed a long-term implementation concept for the network-wide introduction of cab signalling based on the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2.

PROSE supported BLS Netz AG in finalising the integrated rollout plan. We reconciled the different requirements of long-distance, regional and freight transport companies regarding rolling stock with the operational needs of the infrastructure. In parallel, we took the life cycles of existing systems and their depreciation effects into account.

On this basis, we developed a consolidated best-case scenario that defines the section-by-section implementation and commissioning, while transparently outlining the resulting investment and depreciation effects.

PROSE supported BLS in project management during the final phase of the implementation concept. Based on the selected best option:

  • We refined the planning with the involvement of all stakeholders
  • Quantified the resulting costs and depreciation
  • Coordinated the final draft resolution internally and externally with the other infrastructure operators.

The implementation concept is based on an integrated consideration of the life cycles of rolling stock and infrastructure. At the same time, the various potential benefits of ERTMS were systematically taken into account. A key element was to ensure operationally manageable migration through coordinated, coherent implementation, with the clear aim of avoiding fragmented ETCS island solutions.

Customer benefit

BLS Netz AG benefited from our comprehensive understanding of the planning triangle of operations, infrastructure and rolling stock, as well as our in-depth expertise in the field of ERTMS. Our structured methodology and independent consulting services provided a robust, coordinated basis for decision-making. The implementation concept was completed on schedule and in close cooperation with the specialists and programme management. PROSE embodied technical clarity and independent expertise.

 

  

Assessing locomotive compatibility on an SJ Rc6 electric locomotive in Sweden, showing roof-mounted pantographs and high-voltage equipment at a station platform.

Assessing locomotive compatibility under increased overhead line voltage

Customer: SJ AB, Sweden
End customer: Trafikverket, Sweden

Project tasks

  • Technical investigation
  • Documentation research
  • Identification of possible changes in locomotive high-voltage circuits
  • Cost estimation of the changes
  • Integration of the changes in the actual system

Our approach

PROSE began with a structured review of the Rc6 high-voltage system, analysing design documentation, component specifications, and historical modification records to establish the vehicle’s current technical baseline. Based on this analysis, we evaluated the impact of the increased maximum voltage on insulation coordination, component voltage margins, and protection systems. Where necessary, we developed alternative technical solutions to ensure compliance with the new operating conditions. Each option was assessed from both a technical and economic perspective, including feasibility, implementation effort, operational implications, and associated risks. The work was carried out in close dialogue with SJ as operator and Trafikverket as infrastructure owner to ensure transparency and alignment throughout the project.

Customer benefit

The customer gained a transparent and technically sound decision basis for operating the Rc6 fleet under increased overhead line voltage. Our independent assessment clarified voltage margins, component limitations, and protection requirements, creating full visibility of technical risks and modification needs.
By systematically comparing refurbishment scenarios, including cost and implementation implications, we enabled SJ and Trafikverket to prioritise measures based on safety, operational reliability, and long-term investment protection. With PROSE’s in-depth knowledge of Swedish rolling stock and infrastructure interfaces, the operators secured a technically robust and future-proof solution aligned with updated network standards.

 

Investigation on European EMU brake systems

Customer: leading international brake equipment manufacturer

Project tasks

  • Project management
  • Requirements capture
  • Concept development
  • System integration

Our approach

The project aimed to assist a leading international brake equipment manufacturer in navigating the complex landscape of European brake system regulations, generic design principles, and requirements for brake certification. The primary challenge was to provide the manufacturer with a consistent and clear understanding of these regulations to facilitate the development and certification of their brake systems for the European market. This support was crucial for ensuring compliance with stringent European safety standards and improving the manufacturer’s competitive edge in the international market.

Based on publicly available information and own experiences, PROSE provided a comprehensive investigation report with following main chapters:

  • European and American design philosophy and safety principles for emergency braking in EMU
  • Brake performance of current EMU train designs in Europe
  • Redundancy on emergency braking command and functions
  • Emergency Braking according EN 16185-1 and EN 15734-1
  • Brake system requirements for EMUs according to European TSI regulations
  • Brake system control signal according to EN 15611:2020

Customer benefit

As a result of this project, PROSE’s customer obtained an in-depth and detailed understanding of the general requirements and best practices associated with European EMU brake design. This comprehensive insight enabled the manufacturer to align their products with European standards, thereby enhancing their ability to meet certification requirements. Additionally, the detailed investigation report served as a valuable reference for the customer’s engineering and design teams, facilitating informed decision-making and innovation in brake system design. Overall, the project significantly boosted the customer’s capability to produce compliant, reliable, and competitive brake systems for the European rail market.

 

      

X61-X62 Delivery Projects last Technical Issues and Deviation Management

Customer: AB Transitio, Sweden

Project tasks

  • Resolve technical issues
  • Manage X61-X62 documentation
  • Support Rolling Stock Managers
  • Handle Regina, Itino, X61-X62, X11-14 deviations
  • Coordinate with stakeholders

Our approach

​As AB Transitio has successfully completed three key projects—X61 Västtrafik, X61 Östgötatrafiken, and X62 Norrtåg—PROSE is tasked with addressing and resolving all remaining technical and documentation issues, problems, and questions. Additionally, we are responsible for managing all deviations across AB Transitio’s six vehicle fleets, including Regina, X11-14, Itino, Coradia X61-X62, OUT, and Dosto ER1, ensuring that each is processed in accordance with AB Transitio’s established routines and policies.

Our approach involves providing the customer with comprehensive solutions to close all remaining technical and documentation issues for the three completed projects—X61 Västtrafik, X61 Östgötatrafiken, and X62 Norrtåg—by December 31, 2024. In addition, we are committed to supporting and enhancing AB Transitio’s deviation management process, ensuring that all deviations are properly addressed and implemented. We will also ensure that any change requests arising from these deviations are accompanied by the necessary information and documentation.

Customer benefit

AB Transitio had the opportunity to benefit from PROSE’s extensive knowledge and experience. By following this approach, the customer will be able to fully close all three projects—X61 Västtrafik, X61 Östgötatrafiken, and X62 Norrtåg—by the end of 2024, achieving 100% project completion. Additionally, they will benefit from an ongoing, quality-driven process that effectively manages all deviations, ensuring consistent and reliable handling of any issues that arise.

 

Vehicle Authorisation

Customer: various customers

Project tasks

  • Carrying out requirements capture and preparing the safety evaluation, including risk analysis
  • Preparation and management of evidence documents
  • Cooperation and coordination of NoBo, DeBo and AsBo
  • Support in preparing several declarations and dealing with online registers like ERATV or ERADIS
  • Management of the change notification to the ERA or national safety authorities like EBA for changes not requiring an authorisation
  • Management of authorisation applications via One Stop Shop to the ERA for changes requiring authorisation
  • Coordination with the ERA and national safety authority

Our Approach

Vehicle operators or leasing companies make changes to their vehicles for very different reasons, e.g. for obsolescence reasons or to offer passengers a better service by customising the interior and adding features such as sockets or WLAN. In addition to providing engineering services, PROSE supports such projects by taking over the entire approval management process, including communication with all the bodies and authorities involved.

The authorisation process ensures safe rail transport and the best possible interoperability throughout the EU. However, implementing changes to rolling stock presents a significant challenge to operators, keepers, and owners.

At PROSE, we recognise that each railway vehicle is unique. Our team of experts develops vehicle authorisation strategies that address the specific challenges of our customer’s products and needs. From Requirements Capture to One Stop Shop, our experts have the knowledge to guide you through the process. Whether you only need assistance with a single task or are looking for a complete solution, we can provide solutions to meet your particular requirements.

Customer benefit

Modernisations and retrofits guarantee enhanced reliability and superior passenger comfort and open up new applications by integrating new systems. Whilst operators and workshops can focus on their primary tasks, PROSE can handle all the “paperwork” from the engineering and the preparation of evidence documents to the assessment and authorisation phases with bodies and authorities involved. Due to our comprehensive service portfolio, we help reduce interfaces and effort because all services are coordinated and come from a single source.

PROSE ensures that our customers’ railway vehicles comply with the latest standards and regulations. From document preparation to submission, we make sure that vehicle approval hurdles don’t derail your success.

 

      

Authorisation Management – Change of Radio Devices

Customer: various costumers

Project tasks

  • Integration of the new radio device
  • Implementation of additional country-specific equipment for operation outside Germany
  • Requirements capture and safety evaluation
  • Preparation and structuring of evidence documentation
  • Management of the different bodies (NoBos, DeBos, AsBos)
  • Support with the several declarations to be issued
  • Support with ERADIS and ERATV
  • Management of the application at the involved authorities (ERA and NSAs

Our Approach

As Germany’s largest railway infrastructure company, DB InfraGO wants to switch off analogue train radio on many routes. This means that vehicle operators are obliged to retrofit their vehicles with GSM-R digital train radio if they do not yet have the appropriate equipment.

For the first time since the introduction of the 4th railway package, many vehicle operators have been faced with the task of carrying out vehicle modifications that require authorisation. Many small and medium-sized regional transport companies do not have the capacity to deal with the complex authorisation processes and are reliant on external support.

PROSE responds individually to vehicle operators’ needs and provides support throughout the entire chain, from the specification of the required radio equipment to the receipt of the new authorisation in precisely those areas where the vehicle operator has a need.

PROSE determines the individual project requirements for each customer enquiry. The customer’s preliminary work and the desired in-house services are taken into account, and clear interfaces are created so that the project realisation runs hand in hand. The flexibility to respond to short-term customer requests to increase or reduce the project scope is a matter of course for us.

Customer benefit

Due to the large number of projects in this area, we have very good contacts with several bodies and authorities, which enables uncomplicated coordination even before the project begins. In regional transport, where operators often belong to a group, PROSE provides strategic advice on the selection of the proposer, the entity managing the change and the workshops, taking into account several points to keep the overall project costs arising from assessments, audits etc. as low as possible and to be able to exploit synergies, e.g. in cases where different operators of the group operate the same vehicle serie. The operators can focus on their core business and do not even have to take part in the coordination rounds with the authorising entity and/or national safety authorities during the authority’s application assessment phase, as PROSE can do this for the operators on request using a power of attorney.

Independent technical and operational assessment of ATO GoA2 implementation variants

Customer: Rhaetian Railway, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Expert interviews
  • Technical and operational assessment
  • Independent evaluation of implementation variants

Our Approach

As part of the development of a technical specification for equipping an existing vehicle fleet with a driver assistance system (DAS) / ATO GoA2 (Automatic Train Operation, semi-automatic operation) , PROSE supported Rhaethian Bahn AG (RhB) with neutral expertise on technical implementation variants.

Specifically, the focus was on the interface and functionality to be implemented for the interface between the DAS and the vehicle control system, as well as the interaction of the locomotive crew with the DAS. In particular, the different implementation variants focused on the DAS activation and implementing the traction/braking force target values on the vehicle.

Based on the European specification analogue to SUBSET-125 and SUBSET-139, the adapted draft specifications, and internal implementation proposals, PROSE carried out a neutral evaluation of the variants using a two-stage methodology.

In the first step, selected RhB representatives from the areas of vehicle technology and locomotive personnel were interviewed. The purpose of the interview was to determine the significance of the individual evaluation criteria.

In the second step, the PROSE experts verified the fulfilment of the criteria for both variants based on the technical specifications and the expert interviews. In particular, the opportunities, risks, suitability for vehicle acceptance, migration capability, acceptance of the systems by the locomotive personnel, and an initial qualitative assessment from the HOF (Human-Organisational-Factors) perspective of the variants were compared and evaluated.

Customer benefit

RhB benefited from the neutral and independent assessment of the PROSE experts and the methodical approach involving the relevant internal representatives. PROSE’s expertise ensured fast and efficient processing and the necessary depth of detail.

 

  

Variant study for the further development of a metre-gauge railway workshop

Customer: Compagnie du Chemin de Fer Montreux Oberland bernois MOB, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Analysis and documentation of the current situation
  • High-level requirements definition
  • Development of variants

Our Approach

The MOB operates the approximately 10-kilometre Vevey — Les Pléiades line with adhesion and cogwheel sections. The light maintenance of the vehicles travelling on this line is carried out in Vevey. As Vevey’s workshop infrastructure is insufficient for heavy maintenance, the vehicles are transferred to other workshops. Due to the small number of vehicles, the facility in Vevey is only used for around one week per month.

To reduce the maintenance costs of the vehicles concerned, MOB would like to equip the Vevey site so that heavy maintenance can also be carried out there. PROSE was commissioned to examine how the Vevey site could be further developed to meet these requirements.

PROSE documented the site’s maintenance infrastructure. The maintenance processes were then analysed to determine what infrastructure the site would need to meet the future requirements of centralised maintenance. Finally, options were developed for further development.

Customer benefit

​The MOB received a comprehensive range of variants that took into account the current and future challenges at the site and on the Les Pléiades line. The variants were assessed in terms of requirements compliance and risks. Finally, further actions were outlined, and a concrete recommendation for the next steps was formulated.

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