Alstom and RailCorp to modernize Sydneys New South Wales rail transport signalling system

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Australian operator RailCorp has awarded Alstom several contracts worth € 48 million for its new rail signalling system in a major upgrade that focuses on improving safety across Sydney’s CityRail network. Alstom will deliver an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system tailored specifically to the requirements of the New South Wales network, based on Level 1 of the proven European Train Control System (ETCS).

The first 50 newly equipped trains will begin service in 2013. One third of CityRail’s network will be installed with ETCS technology by 2015. In total, 160 trains will be fitted with the equipment, covering over 600 kilometres of track. Furthermore, a nine-year maintenance contract is part of the agreement.

ETCS level 1 is specifically designed to further improve safety across the network. The system provides an additional layer of security for Sydney’s rail network by using radio transceivers placed at regular intervals along the track which communicate directly with compatible trains.

The agreement also includes a pilot line for ETCS level 2 which will be installed on the Cronulla Branch Line. Once installed, it would permit more trains per hour with improved safety and reliability.

“ETCS level 2 would give Australia the potential to upgrade to high speed rail,” said Chris Raine, President of Alstom in Australia. “With this pilot line, RailCorp is laying the foundations for Australia’s rail future.”

Alstom’s ETCS technologies are present on over 70% of ETCS enabled tracks worldwide. Alstom is equipping some 2,500 trains with ETCS supervision of which 1100 are already in commercial service—thereby having accumulated approximately 43 million km in operation. Globally, above 80% of ETCS enabled trains are equipped by Alstom, whose reliable solutions have been proven over 25 million hours of fleet operation.

About Alstom Transport

A promoter of sustainable mobility, Alstom is the only manufacturer in the world to offer a complete range of high performance products: rolling stock, infrastructures, information systems, services and turnkey solutions. Mindful of operators´ ever more stringent profitability objectives and of their growing need for sustainable mobility solutions, we propose ecologically and economically efficient products and services to our customers. Alstom transport recorded sales of 5.8 billion euros in the fiscal year 2009-2010. Alstom Transport is present in 60 countries and employs some 26,000 people.

Press contact

Melina Georgitsis (Transport)
Tel + 33 1 57 06 85 37
melina.a.georgitsis@transport.alstom.com