Alstom has signed a contract with ViaMobilidade and the Government of São Paulo to implement a new signalling system on Lines 8-Diamond and 9-Emerald of the city’s metro network. The project includes the introduction of Latin America’s first European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2, marking a significant milestone in the modernisation of the region’s urban transport infrastructure.
The six-year programme, which begins in June 2025, represents a BRL 1 billion investment (USD 174 million) aimed at improving safety, reliability and efficiency for millions of daily passengers.
“This is advanced technology, already proven and effective in several European cities,” said Suely Sola, Managing Director of Alstom Brazil. “The ETCS Level 2 system will enable more efficient, safer and more comfortable travel for passengers.”
The modernisation follows an addendum to the concession agreement between ViaMobilidade and the Government of São Paulo, focusing on long-term improvements to signalling systems across both lines.
“We are working closely with the State Government to implement innovative solutions, with a direct positive impact on passengers’ lives,” added Francisco Pierrini, Operations Director at Motiva Trilhos.
The ETCS Level 2 system in São Paulo will allow for more precise train movement control through real-time monitoring, reducing journey times and improving safety by minimising operational risks. It will also enable higher service frequency and improved punctuality.
Alstom previously introduced ETCS technology to Latin America in 2021 via a Level 1 system in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The Brazilian deployment of ETCS Level 2 reaffirms Alstom’s commitment to innovation in sustainable mobility.
The ETCS Level 2 signalling upgrade complements ViaMobilidade’s recent acquisition of 36 Metropolis trains, manufactured by Alstom in Taubaté, São Paulo. Each train comprises eight stainless steel carriages, offering greater energy efficiency, reduced weight, and a service life of over 40 years.
ViaMobilidade is the concessionaire responsible for operating São Paulo’s Lines 8 and 9, which together cover 43 stations and serve as critical links within the city’s integrated transport system. Future expansions will connect the network to the Line 17-Gold monorail.
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