Frøsig admitted, however, that this is only a first step to Level 3. "We wanted to have applications in two other countries, but we failed to get them," he told delegates. "Today we only have specifications based on Swedish trackside objects and designed by Bombardier, but having only one supplier is not enough. We still have to develop an open interface."

Frøsig acknowledged that the system in Sweden, which is also known as ERTMS Regional, lacks a device to detect train length and integrity. "Due to political issues this was blocked in 2010," he said. "We need to talk to freight train operators to see what they want, but this still has to be done. It's not an easy task because we are stepping into the market of train detection suppliers."

Swedish infrastructure manager Trafikverket says installation costs are 50% lower than a conventional signalling system, while operating and maintenance costs will also be reduced by up to 50% because lineside signals, interlockings at stations, track circuits, and axle counters can be eliminated.

Trafikverket chose virtual block to avoid a big leap into Level 3, but the system can also be supplied with moving block, which Bombardier now plans to test. Level 3 is also flexible enough to be adapted for use by non-ETCS-equipped trains, as well as those with Level 2 onboard.