Since the very beginning, safety in railway transport has been perceived as an absolute necessi- ty for market success of the rail. However, it is not at all obvious what safety is really about, as it means different things to different experts. The article analyses the impact of a safe travel con- trol system on the operational safety, taking into consideration: safety of the safe travel control system, interfaces connected at one end with rail traffic control systems, and at the other with the vehicle control systems. It also indicates the importance of the transmission system, and maintenance as well as operating procedures, particularly those used in emergency situations. The analysis is recapitulated by conclusions concerning the commissioning of track-side and on-board safe train control devices.

Since the very beginning, safety in railway transport has been perceived as an absolute necessi- ty for market success of the rail. However, it is not at all obvious what safety is really about, as it means different things to different experts. The article analyses the impact of a safe travel con- trol system on the operational safety, taking into consideration: safety of the safe travel control system, interfaces connected at one end with rail traffic control systems, and at the other with the vehicle control systems. It also indicates the importance of the transmission system, and maintenance as well as operating procedures, particularly those used in emergency situations. The analysis is recapitulated by conclusions concerning the commissioning of track-side and on-board safe train control devices.