GO Expansion: Siemens ETCS, CBTC, & ATP for GTHA Rail

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Introduction

In July 2024, Siemens Mobility secured a contract from Metrolinx, valued at over $800 million CAD, to provide signaling technology for the GO Expansion program in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

Contract Details

Siemens Mobility will be responsible for the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the signaling and train control system. This encompasses the provision of the latest European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2, as well as the conventional signaling system. The project’s scope includes the implementation of a communications-based train control (CBTC) system and the delivery of the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. The contract, awarded on July 2nd, 2024, also involves the installation of wayside equipment and the provision of a maintenance services contract. The maintenance services contract has a term of 20 years. The total value of the contract exceeds $800 million CAD.

GO Expansion Program

The GO Expansion program aims to transform and modernize the GO rail network. This project includes enhancements to infrastructure, with upgrades to electrification, and an increase in service frequency across the network. The goal is to provide more frequent and faster train services throughout the GTHA. This program is a critical component of Ontario’s transportation strategy to improve regional connectivity and reduce congestion. The GO Expansion project is designed to support the projected growth in ridership and to meet the increasing demand for public transportation in the region. The program will also increase the capacity of the GO Transit network, accommodating a significant rise in passenger volumes.

Technical Specifications

The project involves the deployment of ETCS Level 2, a sophisticated train control system that enhances safety and optimizes rail operations. The CBTC system will further enhance operational efficiency. The ATP system will provide an additional layer of safety, ensuring adherence to speed limits and preventing collisions. The integration of these technologies represents a significant advancement in the railway’s operational capabilities. The deployment of this advanced signaling technology is expected to greatly improve the efficiency and reliability of the GO Transit network.

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Project Timeline and Impact

The implementation of the new signaling system is anticipated to significantly improve the performance of the GO Transit network. The modernized signaling will allow for more trains to operate on the network, supporting more frequent service and greater capacity. This upgrade is part of a larger plan to modernize and expand the GO Transit network. The improvements are expected to benefit the commuters in the GTHA by providing more reliable and efficient train services. The contract’s successful execution is expected to have a lasting positive impact on the transportation infrastructure within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Conclusion

Siemens Mobility has been awarded a contract by Metrolinx for over $800 million CAD to provide signalling technology for the GO Expansion program. The project includes ETCS Level 2, CBTC, and ATP systems, as well as maintenance services. The GO Expansion program aims to modernize and expand the GO rail network in the GTHA.

Company Summary

Siemens Mobility: Siemens Mobility is a provider of transport solutions.

Metrolinx: Metrolinx is an agency of the Government of Ontario that manages and integrates road and public transport in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Technology

European Train Control System (ETCS): A signaling technology used to improve safety and increase the capacity of railway lines. ETCS Level 2 is the most advanced level of the ETCS system.

Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC): CBTC is a railway signaling system that uses telecommunications between the train and track equipment for traffic management and infrastructure control.

Automatic Train Protection (ATP): ATP is a safety system that automatically applies brakes to a train if it exceeds a speed limit or if it detects a dangerous situation.

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