SBS Transit Rail, a transport operator in Singapore, and Alstom signed a long-term services support contract for the Urbalis signalling system installed on the North East Line (NEL). The French company has implemented the original signalling system for both companies’ first Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line in 2003. The contract will commence in 2023 with Alstom providing technical expertise and local repair activities for the NEL fleet.
The agreement was signed by Alstom Asia Pacific President, Ling Fang, and CEO Rail Business, SBS Transit Rail, Jeffrey Sim, during the LTA-UITP Singapore International Transport Congress and Exhibition 2022.
“We are very pleased to be entering into this important services project with our long-term partner SBS Transit Rail. This new agreement is testament to Alstom’s growing footprint and ongoing commitment to localising key competencies within Singapore, while sustaining rail reliability,” Ling Fang, President, Alstom Asia Pacific said.
The Urbalis communications-based train control (CBTC) solution, first entered service in Singapore on the NEL in 2003, helping to ease commuter congestion.
Constantly upgraded, the advanced signalling solution aids urban operators in maximising their performance and capacity while providing standard supervision and control supporting their operational needs. Designed for heavy metro ridership, the system offers a considerable range of functions that improve headway and average speed performance.
Alstom is currently delivering the signalling system and six 6-carMetropolis trains for the NEL extension covering a 1.6 km section to the new Punggol Coast station that will bring the total number of stations on the NEL to 17. This will cut travel time from Punggol North to the city centre and other parts of Singapore by up to 15 minutes. The extension will be integrated with the JTC Business Park within the upcoming Punggol Digital District, bringing rail connectivity closer to the area and develop the district into an attractive live-work-learn-play environment for residents, workers and students. The extension is expected to enter passenger operation in 2023.
The 21.6 km long North East Line is the world’s first fully automated underground driverless heavy metro system.
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