Portuguese infrastructure manager IP has awarded the development and certification of a new Specific Transmission Module (STM) for train control systems to Hitachi Rail for the Portuguese market. The STM enables the gradual transition from the national train control system Convel to the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 as part of the national timetable for the introduction of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). During the migration phase, trains equipped with ETCS and STM on-board can also operate on lines that are not yet fully interoperable. The module is being developed as an external solution and is to be made available on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. According to Hitachi Rail, this is the second STM for the Portuguese railway system. The project also aims to reduce dependence on a single technology provider and broaden the market for operators, maintenance providers and future rolling stock programmes. Development is being carried out by teams in Portugal, Sweden and Italy.