Alstom and Thales to Supply CBTC to MTR

Jan. 26, 2015
This extensive project will equip seven MTR lines with the latest communications based train control (CBTC) technology, safely adding capacity, reliability and maintainability on the existing infrastructure system.

Alstom and Thales were awarded a contract worth €330 million by MTR Corp., the operator of Hong Kong’s metro network, to resignal and upgrade the signalling systems of seven metro lines. A maintenance option is also included in the contract. This extensive project will equip seven MTR lines with the latest communications based train control (CBTC) technology, safely adding capacity, reliability and maintainability on the existing infrastructure system.

Alstom and Thales will be responsible for the replacement of the existing signalling system including automatic train supervision (ATS), interlocking, and automatic train control (ATC) in the control centre, trains and stations. Thales will provide the SelTrac CBTC system. The project implementation will be carried out by a dedicated Alstom Thales joint project team. Thales, the consortium leader, has the technical leadership and Alstom will ensure the overall project management, as well as the supply of the remote trackside equipment controllers to deliver seamless interface with the existing field elements.

“Being awarded with a project of such magnitude showcases our customers’ trust in Alstom advanced technologies and solutions. With their combined technical strengths, rich experiences and dedicated commitments, Thales and Alstom are fully confident to provide MTR with the most secure, efficient and reliable signalling and infrastructure systems”, said Pascal Cléré, senior vice president, transport information solutions, Alstom Transport.

“Hong Kong metro is one of the major reference worldwide and a long term customer for Thales. We are very proud with winning with Alstom the largest resignalling contract ever awarded. Joining our combined experience and expertise, Thales and Alstom will contribute to enhance a mass transit system that is vital to Hong Kong success”, said Jean-Pierre Forestier, Thales executive vice president, transportation systems.