Alstom has been awarded a €1 billion contract by the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA) to deliver a High Capacity Signalling Project on Perth’s suburban rail network.
The contract marks the world’s largest signalling project by route length, and will be delivered by an alliance of the PTA, Alstom and DT Infrastructure.
The Alliance will design, supply, install and maintain Alstom’s state-of-the-art Urbalis Communications-based Train Control (CBTC). The new control system will replace the existing PTA signalling and train control systems used in Perth.
Pascal Dupond, Managing Director of Alstom Australia and New Zealand, said: “Western Australia is experiencing a rail renaissance with the recent first passenger service of the Alstom’s C-series train, built locally in Bellevue. Now comes the investment in the world’s best signalling technology.
The project will enable a 40% increase in network capacity across Perth and brings with it cutting-edge features including enhanced energy-saving benefits and leading cybersecurity, as well as a new multipurpose communications system based on a private Long-Term evolution radio network.
The High Capacity Signalling project is part of the METRONET programme, a huge public transport investment into Perth which is bringing 72 kilometres of new passenger rail and 23 new stations.
One of the key aims of the project is to “deliver infrastructure that promotes easy and accessible travel and lifestyle options”, with the introduction of CBTC a clear step towards fulfilling this agenda.
DT Infrastructure Chief Executive Officer, Darren Crichton said: “With several METRONET projects nearing completion, Perth’s upgraded rail network means residents and visitors are more connected than ever before.
“The High Capacity Signalling program will ensure that this capability is fully utilised, running more trains more often.”
Image credit: Alstom
