MEPs calls for the establishment of a mandatory system of certification of the entity responsible for maintenance of rolling stock, whether it is an independent company or railway infrastructure manager. Through this system, all market players will enjoy the same conditions of competition. To facilitate interoperability starting from 2015 the European Railway Agency in cooperation with national safety authorities will be responsible for issuing permits for entry into service of vehicles in accordance with the European System of Railway Traffic Management (ERTMS).
ERTMS describes harmonized signaling equipment of both infrastructure and rolling stock on board. Those devices represent a foreseen technological solution to ensure the safety of railways in Europe. Also, MEPs have decided to extend the decision making power of the European Agency Railways (European Railway Agency). The agency should bring the proceedings to a common point, in order to amend the Directive on railway safety. Thus, the ERA will develop a reference document that will include all national rules that rolling stock must comply, so that the pan-European certification meet the particularities of the railway networks of each Member State.
