Stadler has been awarded the contract for the delivery of signalling technology as part of the expansion of the Bybanen light rail system in Bergen, Norway. The client is the stateowned project organization Bybanen Utbygging, a subsidiary of the Vestland fylkeskommune.
The project includes the planning, delivery, and implementation of signalling technology for several planned extension phases of the Bergen tram network, heading toward the northern suburbs of Åsane and westward toward Loddefjord. The total volume of the contract amounts to approximately 50 million euros.
Initially, the contractual scope covers the first extension phase toward Åsane, with additional phases agreed upon as options. Stadler prevailed over renowned competitors in a public tender process. Key deciding factors were Stadler’s proven technology, system adaptability, and the trust placed in Stadler as a reliable and globally connected partner.
Stadler has been a key partner of the Bergen tramway project for many years. As early as 2007, twelve Variobahn trams were ordered from Stadler. Starting in 2008, Stadler Signalling was involved in the implementation of several line sections, initially as a supplier of vehicle equipment and associated trackside components.
From the second construction phase onward, Stadler took over full responsibility for the entire signalling system. The stability of the system and the close, cooperative partnership with Bybanen Utbygging have proven their value multiple times over the
years.
By awarding this contract, Bybanen is opting for a high-performance, future-proof signalling solution in the areas of train signalling systems, train control, and control center technology — all at Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 2, with individual components meeting the highest safety and reliability standard, SIL 4.
For this purpose, Stadler will deliver, among other things:
• Train signalling systems with track circuits or wheel sensors
• Train protection systems for both the line and rolling stock
• Technology for train identification
In addition, signals and switch point heaters will be supplied, as well as a fully equipped control centre with multiple operator workstations and training consoles, including comprehensive simulation of the entire system. Stadler manufactures nearly all components of this solution at its signalling site in Braunschweig. The project is scheduled to begin on September 1, 2025.
"We are delighted by the continued trust placed in us by Bybanen Utbygging. This contract award not only confirms the high availability and reliability of our technology, but also highlights the scalability and future readiness of our system — designed to meet the long-term demands of modern urban infrastructure projects,” said Albrecht Teich, Managing Director Signalling Germany.
“This is a key contract for the Bergen Light Rail. Signalling technology is one of the most longterm and critical elements throughout the entire project. We now have the unique opportunity to engage early in the planning process with an internationally renowned provider like Stadler. The flexibility embedded in the contract also ensures that we have access to expert support for future development phases of the Bergen Light Rail network,” said Arve Tjønn Rinde, Project Director at Bybanen Utbygging.
Image credits: Stadler
