Thales was selected by SMRT Corp. Ltd. to supply its SelTrac Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) solution to re-signal the North-South and East-West lines, plus an extension. The metro lines combined are more than 62 miles long and serve 58 stations, including those of the future Tuas West line extension. The entire system is expected to be operational by 2018.

The Land Transport Authority of Singapore (LTA) has also awarded a $31 million contract for the signalling of the Tuas West Extension comprising four stations for the future East-West line extension. The entire new signaling system is expected to be operational by 2018.

The re-signaling contract is part of SMRT’s and LTA’s plan to improve the public transport system, as growing population and new developments along rail axes have led to the increase of passenger traffic on the Singapore metro network. The addition of new trains and the enhancement of the signaling system will ease the congestion along the two lines, especially during peak periods. Work will be carried out during non-passenger service hours providing minimum inconvenience to commuters.

Thales Canada will work with Thales Solutions Asia in Singapore to install the technology. SelTrac CBTC, incorporating moving-block technology, ensures safe train operation with minimal train separation thereby maximizing passenger service frequency and system capacity. Thales’ advanced solution will also lower the life-cycle costs for the operator.