For anyone who’s never heard of ETCS, don’t worry, I hadn’t either.

ETCS is European Train Control System. It seems to be quite similar to CBTC (Communications Based Train Control) in that it removes trackside signalling and has all the information beamed directly into the cab. However, ETCS seems to be a more advanced version that can transmit more information between the train control centre and the drive (and vice versa). ETCS also allows for high speed running, where as CBTC seems to be primarily targetted at suburban systems where trains move slower (such as along the Pakenham line in Melbourne, and I believe the Sydney Metro utilises it too)

If anyone knows a bit more about it it, please do correct me! I’m a melbourner so don’t know very much about all these fancy pants systems