Alstom deploys the first CBTC system installed on an existing network in Australia with the opening of the Melbourne Metro Tunnel
The Melbourne Metro Tunnel project has officially entered commercial operation with the implementation of Alstom’s Urbalis Flo Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) system.
The technology enables increased train frequency, reduced headways, and significantly more weekly trips on the metropolitan network.
First CBTC installation on existing infrastructure in Australia
Melbourne becomes the first city in Australia to integrate a high-capacity CBTC system into an existing network, an investment that radically transforms the way it operates.
The project combines Alstom’s CBTC technology with conventional signaling systems, the two working in sync to optimize rail traffic.
The opening of the five new underground stations effectively doubles the size of the underground rail network and represents the biggest transformation of Melbourne’s urban rail transport since the City Loop was inaugurated more than four decades ago.
“The system we have installed is customized for the Melbourne rail network and operates in a brownfield environment, a first in Australia. If there is one signaling project that demonstrates the convergence of global expertise with local network knowledge, it is the Metro Tunnel. We are proud of our contribution to a project that is changing the city,” said Pascal Dupond, Managing Director of Alstom Australia and New Zealand.
Platform screen doors and automatic train operation
In addition to the CBTC system, Alstom also supplied platform screen doors, specially designed for the new stations. These allow for more precise stopping and contribute to the safety and fluidity of passenger flows.
The project also includes Automatic Train Operation (ATO) functionality with a driver on board, ensuring high speed accuracy, smooth stops at stations, and reduced turnaround times at the ends of the line.
Prior to opening, Alstom conducted over 4,000 hours and 70,000 kilometers of dynamic testing within the Rail Network Alliance.
International collaboration and operational benefits
The implementation of the Metro Tunnel involved Alstom teams from Australia, Thailand, the US, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Poland, the UK, India, Canada, and Spain.
The project was completed on schedule and in line with commitments made to the State of Victoria.
With the introduction of Urbalis Flo technology, the metropolitan network benefits from:
- shorter intervals between trains;
- uniform, digitally controlled speed;
- more precise stops at stations;
- additional capacity during peak hours;
- more reliable and demand-responsive service.
Melbourne thus becomes the second Australian city with operational urban CBTC, after Sydney.
Alstom is also supplying the high-capacity signaling system for the Perth network, and is currently the only supplier to have delivered urban CBTC technology in Australia.
CBTC – a global standard for urban transport
Alstom is a major player in the urban transport market, with over 30 years of experience in communications-based train control technologies. The Urbalis system is used on more than 190 metro lines in 32 countries, 74 of which operate fully automatically without drivers.
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