Alstom upgrades French transit control systems

Alstom Transport has received a $5.1 million contract from Reseau de France (RFF) to modernize the control unit at Mitry-Claye station and its satellite unit at Villeparisis.

In summer 2011, Alstom will deliver a new generation Smartlock computerized control unit (PAI-NG), the second such delivery under the framework contract signed by the two companies in 2006.

The order is part of a project to improve rail services on the northern part of the RER line B carried out by RFF, the SNCF and STIF. The Mitry-Claye electromechanical control unit will be replaced by Alstom’s latest computerized interlocking system. The Smartlock 400 range has a powerful safety computer, capable of managing large stations.

The new installation, which includes a modification to the track at Mitry-Claye station, will improve the operation and service quality of this strategic rail route, which carries up to 40 trains per hour — almost one train every 90 seconds. It will increase operating flexibility and efficiency in normal and sub-optimal situations by computerizing and programming some of the control unit commands.