DB InfraGO AG and DB Regio commissioned NEXTRAIL to examine the feasibility of using ETCS Level 2 with ATO as part of the 2nd S-Bahn main line currently under construction in Munich and the imminent replacement of the continuous train control system (LZB) on the existing main line. The study focused in particular on gathering basic information, the 3D survey of the area of the scope using the TRAXIMIZER, the preliminary design including the optimization of block spacing, a railway operational study (EBWU), an operational simulation, the development of operational and technical requirements as well as a trackside and rolling stock migration concept for both S-Bahn main lines.

The EBWU and operational simulation demonstrated that ETCS Level 2 without lineside colour-light signals in conjunction with ATO achieves higher performance compared to the LZB. In addition, it was demonstrated that an extension of the ETCS/ATO fitted area beyond the current LZB fitted area to Pasing station and Westkreuz junction in the west and  Ostbahnhof station, Leuchtenbergring station and Berg am Laim junction in the east would lead to further increases in capacity. 

The technical requirements for the ETCS, ATO and DSTW systems and the new Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) radio system were also developed and described. For the migration to the new technology, migration scenarios were developed for the trackside and for the rolling stock and the optimum migration path was determined.