Alstom's digital rail control enters commercial service on the Hoekse Line from Rotterdam to Hoek van Holland Strand station

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  • Last mile inauguration of computer-based interlocking and integrated control system, for faster travel and improved connectivity between Rotterdam and the Hoek van Holland Strand station

  • A reliable system for safety, performance and efficiency 

  • Maintenance of the Hoekse Line for the next 5 years providing 24/7 assistance

31 March 2023 – Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, is contributing to the last mile commercial launch of the metro Hoekse Line to the Hoek van Holland Strand station, with the delivery of the computer-based interlocking and integrated control system, for faster travel and improved connectivity. In doing so, Alstom is completing the entire signalling system of a major line of the Rotterdam metro network. The Hoek van Holland Strand station is the last station of the metro Hoekse Line, the last mile was inaugurated this morning in the presence of several authorities and the first passengers. 

This event marks Alstom’s complete delivery for the Hoekse Line, and is one example of how rail control and signalling technology is contributing to RET’s ambitious strategy to maximise rail capacity with improved performance and efficiency of the line. More specifically the Hoekse line will provide a new public transport option to the beach – its direct access will reduce travel time and motivate a shift to public transport. 

Bernard Belevaux MD Benelux

“We thank RET’s engineering and management teams for the strong collaboration in making this project a success. The inauguration of the last mile shows the reliability of Alstom’s signalling solutions and the know-how of our teams to deliver safety systems for urban mobility.”

Bernard Belvaux
Managing Director Benelux

Bernard Belvaux, Managing Director Benelux  says: “We thank RET’s engineering and management teams for the strong collaboration in making this project a success. The inauguration of the last mile shows the reliability of Alstom’s signalling solutions and the know-how of our teams to deliver safety systems for urban mobility.”

Johan Taal, Manager Strategische Programma’s & Projecten of RET stresses: “This last mile is central in our strategy for our passengers ensuring their transport to an emblematic place like the beach. Signalling is an important component of this mobility project.”

Alstom has delivered software that manages 30 safety sections and one technical room. The system has been installed by a project team of over 25 engineers and technicians from Utrecht and Katowice (Poland), in close coordination with the RET project management team in Rotterdam. 

In addition to the signalling system installed, Alstom is managing the maintenance of the total Hoekse Line, providing 24-hour assistance to RET, including preventive and corrective activities.

  • 5
    years maintenance of the Hoekse Line
  • 30
    safety sections managed by Alstom's software
  • 24-hour
    assistance provided to RET

Alstom has several major urban mobility projects in the Netherlands. The Group provided metros for Rotterdam and Amsterdam, tramways for Den Haag and Rotterdam and several signalling projects like the Rotterdam metro project and the implementation of the CBTC System (automatic driving support) on the Amsterdam metro. As service partner with advanced remote monitoring, Alstom also provides daily availability of fleets through preventive and corrective maintenance, overhaul and damage repair, as for the tramway fleet of Utrecht and the M5M6 vehicles metro fleet operating the Amsterdam North South line.

In the Netherlands, Alstom employs about 500 people with a large expertise in project management, signalling activities and a large panel of services activities including preventive maintenance. The company is present in 11 locations to serve closely its customers: Ridderkerk for services, Nieuwegein depot for tram maintenance, 6 depots in Rotterdam for locomotives, urban and train maintenance and Utrecht and Amsterdam as project offices for signalling solutions.  

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Alstom in the Netherlands

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