OPTIMA · Project

Unified Software Platform Connecting All Rail Traffic Management Systems Into One

transportPilotedTRL 7

Imagine a train control center where every screen runs different software that doesn't talk to each other — one for scheduling, another for signalling, a third for energy management. OPTIMA built a single communication layer that plugs all these systems together, like a universal translator for rail operations. It lets operators see real-time data from every service on one standardized workstation, instead of switching between disconnected tools. A consortium of 16 partners across 7 countries tested and validated this integration platform as a working demonstrator.

By the numbers

consortium partners building the platform

countries represented in the consortium

project deliverables produced

industry partners in the consortium

50%

industry ratio in the consortium

SMEs participating in development

The business problem

What needed solving

Rail control centers today run on a patchwork of disconnected software systems — one for train scheduling, another for signalling, separate tools for energy and maintenance. Operators must switch between multiple screens and manually cross-reference data, leading to slower decisions, higher error rates, and expensive custom integrations every time a new system is added. There is no standard way to make these systems talk to each other.

The solution

What was built

OPTIMA delivered a complete communication platform with three core components: an Integration Layer with middleware that connects real-time rail data from multiple services, an Application Framework for running TMS applications, and standardized operator workstations. All 22 deliverables include a validated demonstrator with hardware, software, databases, and full documentation.

Audience

Who needs this

National rail infrastructure managers modernizing control centersSignalling companies needing standardized TMS interfacesMetro and urban transit operators consolidating legacy systemsRail software vendors building traffic management applicationsRailway maintenance technology providers seeking real-time data integration

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Rail Infrastructure Management

enterprise

Target: National or regional rail infrastructure managers operating traffic control centers

If you are a rail infrastructure manager dealing with disconnected traffic management systems in your control centers — this project developed an Integration Layer with middleware and software clients that connects real-time data from multiple rail business services into a single platform. With 16 partners including active infrastructure managers, the demonstrator was tested with standardized operator workstations and a defined Conceptual Data Model.

Rail Signalling & ERTMS

mid-size

Target: Signalling equipment suppliers integrating with traffic management systems

If you are a signalling company struggling to interface your products with various traffic management and control systems — OPTIMA built an Application Framework with documented interfaces that standardizes how signalling field infrastructure connects to TMS applications. The platform was designed to link Traffic Control with Maintenance and Energy Management, reducing the custom integration work you face with every new deployment.

Urban Transit & Metro Operations

enterprise

Target: Metro and urban rail operators modernizing their control rooms

If you are a transit operator looking to modernize your control room without replacing every legacy system — OPTIMA's communication platform acts as middleware that integrates existing operational systems, external data sources, and operator workstations through a documented integration layer. The 22 deliverables include a fully documented platform ready for installing and testing, meaning you can evaluate it against your existing setup.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to adopt this platform?

The project's EU contribution is not publicly listed in the dataset. As an Innovation Action demonstrator built by 16 partners, expect enterprise-level licensing or consortium membership for access. Contact the coordinator UNIFE for commercial terms.

Can this scale to a national rail network?

The platform was designed to integrate real-time data from multiple rail business services, external sources, and operator workstations simultaneously. With infrastructure managers actively performing Traffic Management and Traffic Control in dedicated control centers as consortium members, the architecture was validated against real operational conditions.

Who owns the intellectual property?

IP is shared among the 16 consortium partners across 7 countries under EU Shift2Rail program rules. UNIFE, the European Rail Industry Association, coordinates — they can clarify licensing arrangements for specific components like the Integration Layer middleware or Application Framework.

How does this integrate with our existing traffic management systems?

That is exactly what OPTIMA was built for. The Integration Layer uses middleware and software clients specifically designed to connect several rail business services and external services. The detailed data structure follows a Conceptual Data Model, and the platform provides first-level support for testing prototype integrations.

What was actually tested and validated?

The consortium ran demonstration activities validating the Integration Layer solution including all its subsystems and components — hardware, software, and databases. This was documented in a dedicated deliverable report. The full platform was made available for installing and testing complementary project prototypes.

Is this aligned with European rail standards?

Yes. OPTIMA was funded under the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking (topic S2R-OC-IP2-02-2019) and was designed to work with complementary Shift2Rail projects. The standardized operator workstations and Conceptual Data Model follow the European rail digitalization roadmap.

What ongoing support is available?

The project included first-level support for testing prototypes of complementary projects as a core deliverable. Post-project sustainability was an explicit objective. UNIFE as coordinator represents the European rail industry and can facilitate continued access.

Consortium

Who built it

The OPTIMA consortium is unusually strong for a business buyer evaluating this technology. With 16 partners across 7 countries (Belgium, Czech Republic, Spain, France, Italy, Slovakia, UK), it covers major European rail markets. Half the consortium — 8 out of 16 partners — are industry players, not academics. The coordinator UNIFE is the European Rail Industry Association, meaning the platform was shaped by the industry body that represents rail manufacturers and operators across Europe. Four universities provided research backing, and 4 SMEs brought specialized capabilities. The fact that infrastructure managers who run real control centers were active consortium members means this was tested against actual operational needs, not just lab conditions.

UNION DES INDUSTRIES FERROVIAIRES EUROPEENNES - UNIFECoordinator · BE
INGENIERIA Y ECONOMIA DEL TRANSPORTE SME MP SAparticipant · ES
OLTIS GROUP ASparticipant · CZ
RETE FERROVIARIA ITALIANAparticipant · IT
UNION INTERNATIONALE DES CHEMINS DE FERparticipant · FR
UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNEparticipant · UK
SIRTI - SOCIETA PER AZIONIparticipant · IT
RINA CONSULTING SPAparticipant · IT
SCUOLA SUPERIORE DI STUDI UNIVERSITARI E DI PERFEZIONAMENTO S ANNAparticipant · IT
ZILINSKA UNIVERZITA V ZILINEparticipant · SK
ADMINISTRADOR DE INFRAESTRUCTURAS FERROVIARIASparticipant · ES
UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI GENOVAparticipant · IT
ARDANUY INGENIERIA SAparticipant · ES

How to reach the team

UNIFE (Union des Industries Ferroviaires Européennes) in Brussels, Belgium — the European Rail Industry Association. They coordinate access to all consortium results.

Order a report on this consortium See UNION DES INDUSTRIES FERROVIAIRES EUROPEENNES - UNIFE profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want an introduction to the OPTIMA team to discuss integration with your traffic management systems? SciTransfer can arrange a direct meeting with the right technical contact.

Order a report on this topic More in Transport & Mobility