Société de transport de Montréal (STM) awarded Thales a contract extension to provide new computer based interlocking systems to 8 additional metro stations, which will complete the upgrades across all lines of the rapid transit system in Montreal.
This project aims to improve the technological infrastructure of the Montréal metro while accommodating future network developments.
“This contract extension solidifies our strong working relationship with the STM and demonstrates our commitment to supporting the ambitions for Montreal’s metro through our technology solutions,” Alcino De Sousa, VP & Managing Director, Thales Urban Rail Signalling, said.
The original contract, awarded in 2018 to Thales, included replacing the signalling equipment across eight stations and garages to allow STM to maintain service quality by upgrading their existing infrastructure. This means Thales will be supplying computer based interlocking systems to a total of 16 stations and depots, enabling the STM to improve their signaling equipment while staying state-of-the-art.
The contract signed in 2018 included a firm order for the replacement of 8 systems, with an option on a further 8 systems for 15 existing stations and one new depot at Côte-Vertu station, enabling STM to improve network operations by adding more trains at peak times.
The metro system of Montréal comprises four lines with a total length of 69 km served by 68 stations.
STM plans to install new technology on its metro network to increase the safety and frequency of trains while providing high quality services. The company will deploy a new train control system on the entire Blue line, including its extension toward the east. The extension covers the construction of 6 km underground line with 5 stations with two bus terminals and one depot. The section opening was delayed by three years until 2029, from previously 2026. The cost of the project also increased from the original estimation of CAD 3.9 billion (USD 3.1 billion) to CAD 6.4 billion (USD 5.1 billion).
The Montréal Metro is Canada’s busiest rapid transit system and North America’s third busiest in terms of daily ridership. In 2019, the system reached the milestone of 1 million boardings per average weekday. The STM recorded a total of 283.5 million boardings in 2019, an increase of 4.5% compared to 2018.
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