In an effort to make European rail networks more efficient and competitive with other forms of transport, the International Union of Railways (UIC) has begun developing a European Train Control System (ETCS) that must overcome the complexities produced by a host of different operating conditions, equipment, languages, and signaling cultures. Although the ETCS project is still in an early stage, it seems likely that it will use some of the higher levels of functionality of the Advanced Train Control Systems (ATCS) being developed in North America and rely on a wider range of transmission techniques than ATCS. A staged approach to implementing ETCS is being considered to avoid compatibility problems and the need for dual equipment on track.