A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework for the Evaluation of Train Control Information Systems, the Case of ERTMS

The huge potential offered by the implementation of a modern Train Control Information System (TCIS) could result in significant improvements in the railway sector in general. As a technology transfer, primarily in the European railway sector, the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is expected to play an important role in providing better railway performances. However, the implementation of ERTMS entails certain dilemmas and disadvantages and the decision-making regarding it can be one of the crucial challenges for each railway. Having this in mind, the aim of this work is to propose a decision-making framework to support such a critical decision process through application of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) analyses. In the proposed approach, external and internal factors that simultaneously enhance and constrain ERTMS implementation were identified and presented through the SWOT analysis, while the AHP method was applied for the evaluation of the importance of identified factors. The thorough literature review represents a basis for creating a SWOT matrix and setting of judgments for the evaluation of the SWOT factors. The results of the AHP method highlight the importance of the factors within the SWOT matrix regarding ERTMS implementation. Results of the AHP method were checked by two additional weight assessments in order to provide the appropriate approach for factor evaluation. The proposed approach also shows a relatively simple and very suitable decision-making framework for consideration of other TCISs, too.