Alstom signs a contract with ViaMobilidade for the implementation of a new signalling system on Lines 8 and 9 in São Paulo

The modernization will be carried out within the six-year contractual term,  with immediate commencement of the projects following the service order. The contract is signed together with the addendum signed between ViaMobilidade and the Government of São Paulo, which aims to modernize the signalling system of the two lines, benefiting millions of users.

“This is a significant milestone for both Alstom and the urban mobility landscape in São Paulo. This is advanced technology, already proven and effective in several European cities. The ETCS Level 2 system will enable more efficient, safer, and more comfortable travel for passengers on Lines 8-Diamond and 9-Emerald. The project reaffirms our ongoing commitment to innovation and the improvement of transport infrastructure in the region”, said Suely Sola, Managing Director of Alstom Brazil, and Head of Signalling and Infrastructure for Latin America.

“The R$1 billion investment is a clear demonstration of our commitment to transforming urban mobility in São Paulo. We are working closely with the State Government to implement innovative solutions, always with responsibility, transparency, and a direct positive impact on passengers’ lives,” said Francisco Pierrini, Operations Director at Motiva Trilhos.

The installation of ETCS Level 2 on Lines 8-Diamond and 9-Emerald represents a major advancement in São Paulo’s transportation infrastructure. This advanced signalling system will allow for greater operational efficiency, increasing the number of trains in service and optimizing travel times. Additionally, real-time monitoring will provide more precise control of train movements, enhancing operational safety, minimizing risks, and offering a safer travel experience for users.

In 2021, Alstom introduced ETCS technology to Latin America through a project in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, using the Level 1 version. Currently, ETCS is available in two versions —Level 1 and Level 2— both offering the same level of automation and safety, but differing in the frequency and method of information transmission to the train. The arrival of Level 2 in Brazil reaffirms Alstom’s commitment to innovation and the continuous improvement of urban mobility in the country."

About ViaMobilidade 

ViaMobilidade – Lines 8 and 9 is the concessionaire responsible for the operation and maintenance of São Paulo’s metropolitan train Lines 8-Diamond and 9-Emerald. Line 8-Diamond consists of 22 stations, connecting Júlio Prestes to Amador Bueno, with transfers to Lines 3-Red and 7-Ruby. Line 9-Emerald, which connects Varginha to Osasco, has 21 stations and integrates with Lines 4-Yellow, 5-Lilac, and 8-Diamond. In the future, it will also connect to the Line 17-Gold monorail.

Alstom is the manufacturer of the 36 new Metropolis trains, each with 8 cars, acquired to operate on these lines. Produced at the Taubaté (SP) factory, the trains are made of stainless steel, offering a key advantage in durability: the train structures last over 40 years and are lighter compared to carbon steel models. Additionally, they consume less energy, making them more energy-efficient.