Hong Kong’s metro network operator MTR has awarded a €330m contract to Thales and Alstom to upgrade the signalling systems of its seven metro lines.
Under this project, seven MTR lines will be equipped with the latest communications based train control (CBTC) technology, safely adding capacity, reliability and maintainability on the existing infrastructure system.
The contract also includes a maintenance option.
The consortium will replace the existing signalling system including automatic train supervision (ATS), interlocking, and automatic train control (ATC) in the control centre, trains and stations.
For this work, Thales will be delivering the advanced SelTrac CBTC system, while the implementation will be carried out by a dedicated Alstom-Thales joint project team.
Thales transportation systems executive vice-president Jean-Pierre Forestier said: "Hong Kong metro is one of the major reference worldwide and a long-term customer for Thales.
"Joining our combined experience and expertise, Thales and Alstom will contribute to enhance a mass transit system that is vital to Hong Kong’s success."
While Thales will have the technical leadership of the project, Alstom will carry out the overall project management and provide the remote trackside equipment controllers, in order to deliver seamless interface with the existing field elements.
The CBTC technology offers operators better control in the movement of their trains, which will allow them to run on the line at higher frequencies and speeds in total safety, even without drivers.
Image: Seven MTR lines will be equipped with the latest communications based train control (CBTC) technology. Photo: courtesy of Thales Group.
