Thales : Brand new Tube signalling successfully tested for the first time
October 16, 2017 at 11:25 am EDT
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The transformation of London Underground's sub-surface lines has taken a significant step forward, with multiple test trains running on the brand new signalling system for the first time in London.
The new computer-based signalling and control system from Thales will allow trains to run closer together, meaning a more frequent service, shorter waiting times and a massive boost in capacity for the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines. Customers will start to benefit from the improvements from as early as next year, when the first section of the network to use the new signalling system goes live. The system will ensure greater reliability reducing the number of signalling problems on sections of the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines next year, and will greatly improve the accuracy of real-time customer information on these lines. Services will begin to increase in frequency from 2021, when more of the network is operating the new system, and all four lines will be using the system by 2023.This is a significant milestone for us to achieve on this critical upgrade for London. We have demonstrated that our state-of-the-art radio communications technology will deliver better, more reliable journeys on 40 per cent of the network, creating a world-class transport system for our capital city.
Shaun Jones, Vice-President, Transport at Thales in the UK Testing took place between Hammersmith and Latimer Road featuring three newly-enabled S stock trains. The testing involved using the new signalling system to manage the distance between trains. The new modern 'S stock' trains that run on all four lines are currently having new equipment installed, with 30 already fitted out by Bombardier. This is a fantastic step forward in the vital programme to modernise nearly half of the Tube network. The new signalling system will provide our customers with more frequent trains and quicker journeys, as well as improving reliability and improving customer information. We are making improvements for our customers all over the network and this programme represents a hugely significant part of that work.
Mark Wild, the Managing Director of London Underground Further testing weekends will take place in the coming months as the system is progressively installed across more of the network. This capacity increase, up to 33 per cent across all four lines, will improve the whole sub-surface network, which makes up 40 per cent of the Underground network. The modernisation will also mean that Night Tube services can be introduced on these lines in the future.
The next testing weekend will be in December, with installation work continuing throughout the year.
THALES SA published this content on 16 October 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 16 October 2017 15:24:03 UTC.
Original documenthttps://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/transportation/press-release/brand-new-tube-signalling-successfully-tested-first-time
Public permalinkhttp://www.publicnow.com/view/A9827BC75327FD5E1B3861706EF940F2864ADA89
Thales is one of the European leaders in manufacturing and marketing of electronic equipment and systems for the defense and security, aerospace, and transportation sectors. Net sales break down by product group as follows:
- defense and security systems (53.4%): C4I defense and security systems (control and monitoring systems, communication, protection, cyber-security, and other systems), defense mission systems, naval systems, electronic war systems, drones, air operation systems (air defense, air surveillance), ground defense systems and missiles;
- aerospace systems (28.4%): avionics equipment (cockpit, cabin multimedia, and simulation equipment), space systems (satellites, payloads, etc.);
- digital identification and security solutions (18.2%).
Besides, the group owns a 35% stake in Naval Group (manufacture of naval equipment for defense and nuclear energy sectors).
Net sales are distributed geographically as follows: France (29.5%), the United Kingdom (6.6%), Europe (24.8%), the United States and Canada (14%), Asia (9.4%), Near and Middle East (6%), Australia and New Zealand (4.4%) and other (5.3%).