The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has awarded Stadler the contract to equip its rail network with a new, modern train control system. The replacement of the current system will improve train control, which will increase the ability of the trains to run on time and safely operate. For Stadler, the USD 500 million order represents an international breakthrough in the field of signaling.
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has awarded Stadler a USD 500 million contract to modernise its train control systems throughout the entire rail system. Under the terms of this major contract, Stadler will replace the current system with a new generation train control system within eight years of the start of the project.
Stadler is equipping the trains with the NOVA Pro train control system. This will enable MARTA’s trains to run with the highest degree of safety and assist rail operators when operating the trains. A driver will still be on board operating the train and monitoring the journey and will intervene if necessary or in the event of an incident. This increases capacity, makes rail operations run on time and safely, resulting in direct customer benefits. The system is also more efficient, which saves costs. The addition of this system will make MARTA one of the most advanced transportation systems in the country.
Stadler emphasizes partnering with Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) in its signaling and rail vehicle projects to promote inclusive economic growth. The company supports the local community by leading education initiatives, including a youth apprenticeship program that engages many Title I schools. Stadler also encourages community involvement through employee volunteer days and sponsorship of youth sports teams in underserved areas, fostering opportunities for physical activity and development. Stadler is looking forward to bringing this community focus to Atlanta, as the company commits to building a local workforce and engaging with education, government and DBE partners in the area.
MARTA order, the largest for Stadler
For Stadler, the MARTA order is the largest order to date in the signaling sector. This order also marks the first time that a transportation company in the US has used a Stadler train control system with Stadler trains. The resulting synergies between the on-board and trackside signaling components will allow for a smooth introduction of the system and increase operational performance while minimizing downtime.
The vehicles will be equipped with the necessary hardware at the Stadler plant in Salt Lake City, where the 56 new MARTA metro trains ordered in 2019 are being built. The trackside equipment will be installed, tested and commissioned directly on the MARTA network. As the on-board and trackside components come from the same supplier, the project can be completed seamlessly. During a transition phase, trains will be able to run with both the old and the new system. As soon as the trackside components have been installed across the board, the transition process to the new system will be smooth and without any interruption to operations.
“This order is a significant milestone and represents an international market breakthrough for us in the CBTC sector. MARTA and its passengers can look forward to a state-of-the-art train control system that will make Metro operations more punctual, safer and more efficient. We look forward to working with MARTA, thank them for the trust they have placed in us and for now relying on our train control solution in addition to their trains,” says Markus Bernsteiner, Group CEO Stadler Rail.
“Stadler’s CBTC system provides MARTA with a robust, future-proof solution that meets the growing demand for a high-performing transit system in Atlanta. By moving forward with this historic project, MARTA and Stadler are bringing Atlanta to the forefront of modern transportation solutions and providing an enhanced travel experience for the region’s passengers,” said Lucy Andre, CEO of Stadler Signalling North America.
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