Hitachi Rail has announced the commercial launch of the new CBTC (Communications Based Train Control) digital signaling system on the Media–Sharon Hill line operated by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).
The upgrade targets one of the last interurban tram networks in the United States and marks the completion of the implementation of SelTrac™ technology on this line.
19 km of upgraded line
The upgrade covers approximately 11.9 miles (about 19 km) of light rail line between 69th Street Transportation Center and the communities of Media and Sharon Hill.
The system uses overhead electrification and tram-specific gauge, and the new technology replaces outdated signaling systems, some of which have been in operation for decades.
What’s new with SelTrac
SelTrac technology, developed by Hitachi Rail, introduces: By implementing CBTC, the operator can optimize vehicle intervals and increase service reliability without major additional investment in physical infrastructure.
- automatic train protection (ATP) to enforce speed limits and prevent unsafe movements;
- automatic traffic supervision (ATS) for real-time monitoring;
- track-mounted transponders and on-board sensors for high-precision location;
- increased capacity and improved performance through advanced data analysis;
- flexible and scalable architecture with low life-cycle costs.
A historic system brought up to digital standards
The Media–Sharon Hill line is considered one of the last classic trolley-type interurban networks in the US, a system that combines tram and light rail features.
By fully integrating SelTrac, SEPTA is bringing this line up to modern safety and digital control standards, at a time when more and more urban networks in North America are switching to CBTC systems.
Joseph Pozza, president of Hitachi Rail USA, said the upgrade will enable “reliable and modern operations for decades to come,” while Massimo Esposito, senior director of technology in North America, emphasized that the new system will improve the passenger experience and traffic regularity.
Over a century of tradition in signaling
Hitachi Rail has a historic presence in Pittsburgh through Union Switch & Signal, founded in 1881, and has been involved in the development of technological firsts such as:
- the first power interlocking system (1882);
- the first automatic electro-pneumatic train stopping system (1901);
- the first inductive control system (1923);
- the first digital rail yard control system (1970).
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