Westinghouse Rail Systems Limited, is to undertake major resignalling works on the Thameslink project, following the award of multiple contracts by Network Rail.

Westinghouse has entered into three separate contracts for project execution in the initial stages of the core area; this work marking the beginning of a series of signalling projects for the Thameslink development.  Concurrently, the company is executing the GRIP4 works of the programme, covering scheme development for all stage works of the core area.  Overall, the value of future signalling works for Thameslink is estimated to be in excess of £75 million.

In its entirety, this £3.55 billion programme will see new track, stations, extended platforms and improved signalling across the complete Thameslink route - the first phase of which encompasses the core area of the network, bounded by St Pancras and Blackfriars Stations.

Commenting on the announcement, Westinghouse Rail’s Managing Director, Alistair McPhee, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded these contracts, which are an extension to our existing Framework Agreement with Network Rail, secured in 2005. To be working on such a significant project, at the heart of one of London’s major infrastructure schemes, is a great reflection on the quality and commitment of our people, our products and systems.  We look forward to working in partnership with Network Rail to deliver a first class signalling solution.”

Phase I runs from 2008 to 2011, with final commissioning scheduled for completion in advance of the 2012 Olympics in London.

Invensys Rail Group (IRG) has strengthened its Indian operations with two major managerial appointments.

They are new Managing Director Raviprakash Karcherla and new Head of Business Development Alok K Sinha.

With twenty five years of experience in the Indian rail industry, Karcherla has led IRG’s signalling, aviation and process control business units from inception to today’s profitable ventures.

He was also instrumental in putting together the ALSTOM signalling team in India that delivered the 120 million Euro Delhi Metro Lines 1 and 2 project in a record time. Karcherla also set up the ALSTOM engineering design centre responsible for “driverless” metros in Singapore and Lausanne, plus the world’s first commercial ERTMS Level 2 project between Rome and Napoli for Italy’s high-speed line.

In addition, Karcherla has a long and successful track record of managing both large-scale technology transfers and the introduction of various high technology products such as bit coded track circuits to the Indian railways market.

For his part, Sinha brings 19 years of experience in the rail transportation and mass transit sector.

For almost a decade he was Head of Business Development, Sales and Marketing with Union Switch & Signal (now Ansaldo STS) and pioneered the introduction of advanced technologies such as electronic interlocking and ETCS on Indian railways. 

Sinha worked for GEC-General Signal Borehamwood UK on its Delhi projects in the 1990s and was responsible for securing the largest signalling and telecommunications contract ever awarded by Indian Railways.

As well as being one of the best-known faces in the world of signalling and telecommunications for Indian Railways, Sinha has huge project execution experience, including conceptualisation, architecting, installation, commissioning, and achieving Indian Railway product qualification.

Invensys Rail Group (IRG) launches its newest division, Westinghouse Rail Sytems India, at the Expo Rail India exhibition being held at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan Exhibition Centre from 16th to 18th October.

Charles Page, Acting Sales and Marketing Director from Westinghouse Rail Systems Australia said “the new company provides a direct local interface between IRG and its customers in India. It will enable us to significantly enhance our customer and technical support and provide our Indian customers with the expertise and resources from all the companies that make up the Invensys Rail Group. In tandem with our existing and successful signalling equipment distribution network the new office strengthens our commitment to India's fast-growing railway industry”.

Invensys Rail Group companies, such as Westinghouse Rail Systems, have been active in India since the early 20th Century, marketing products through a range of local companies and representatives. Now IRG is providing customers with direct access to its broad product portfolio, extensive manufacturing know-how and applications expertise through a team with strong knowledge of local market conditions. This combination of local hands-on technical support and IRG’s supply capabilities will ensure customers' needs are met more effectively.

“India is undergoing a very strong economic development, it faces many mobility challenges but also offers great opportunities to develop its public transport systems, that is why we established the Indian business” explained Charles. “With this new business and local staff, our Indian clients will receive stronger support.”

Indian Railways propose to spend 2.2 Billion USD on modernisation of railway signals, track and rolling stock keeping in view the transport needs during the next five years, which will not only reduce the unit cost but also provide services to customers at reduced cost. This was stated by Shri Lalu Prasad, Union Minister for Railways, while delivering the keynote address at the Conference on Building Infrastructure.

With freight and passenger traffic is expected to grow at 8-10 per cent per annum and 6-8 per cent per annum respectively, railway infrastructure needs to be in place to fully capitalise on the opportunity, and that is where the worldwide experience of Invensys Rail can help operators maximise capacity without compromising safety.

The new business will target the rapidly expanding railway markets with the proven technology that will help improve safety, increase capacity and deliver tangible improvements to operators of both mainline and mass transit networks.

 

Invensys Dimetronic has won a Euro 3.5 million contract to modify the ASFA national railways network train protection system currently in use on the Madrid-Seville high-speed line signalling system.

The original signalling system was installed in 1992 and now Spanish infrastructure administrator ADIF wants to adapt the operational rules and functional aspects of the existing interlockings to bring them in line with more modern ones being used on other lines.

Under its contract, Invensy Dimetronic will modify the existing ASFA system within the next 18 months.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

 

Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract worth nearly Euro 7 million to supply automatic train control equipment to Catalonian Regional Railways (FGC).

The equipment includes Westrace interlocking, joint-less track circuits (JLTCs) and the Company’s standard AFSA intermittent cab warning and automatic braking system. It is to be used on the 9.5 km Martorell Enllac-Olesa section of the Llobregat-Anoia line which is being double-tracked as part of an overall FGC railway infrastructure project. The project is due for completion in two years.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian Peninsula.

Invensys Dimetronic lands signalling contract for high speed rail line in Ordes Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract for nearly Euro 5 million to supply signalling technology for use on a new section of high-speed rail line currently under construction in Ordes, Spain. The Spanish Ministry of Infrastructures is renewing the main line between Vigo and Santiago-Coruna so that it can carry high-speed – up to 200 km/h – trains. Known as the Atlantic Axle, this project involves many new sections of double tracks and by-passes. The Invensys Dimetronic contract covers supply of joint-less track circuits and Westrace electronic interlocking for the new 10 km Ordes-Queixas double track section of this project. Delivery of the Invensys Dimetronic technology is due in 12 months. Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.   more »

Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract for nearly Euro 5 million to supply signalling technology for use on a new section of high-speed rail line currently under construction in Santiago, Spain.

The Spanish Ministry of Infrastructures is renewing the main line between Vigo and Santiago-Coruna so that it can carry high-speed – up to 200 km/h – trains. Known as the Atlantic Axle, this project involves many new sections of double tracks and
by-passes.

The Invensys Dimetronic contract covers supply of joint-less track circuits and Westrace electronic interlocking for the new 15 km Santiago-Escravitude double track section of this project. Delivery of the Invensys Dimetronic technology is due in 10 months.
Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract worth over Euro 4 million to supply signalling equipment for use on line 5 of the Valencia Metro in Spain.

Operated by Valencia Regional Railways (FGV), Metro line 5 is being extended by 3.2 km from Quart de Poblet, via four new stations, to the airport. Under the contract, Invensys Dimetronic is to supply its Westrace electronic interlocking technology, joint-less track circuits (JLTCs) and automatic train protection (ATP) system. The company is also modifying FGV’s control traffic centre (CTC) and providing the company with track-train radio communications – together with supply and installation of the associated fibre optics. The contract is due to be completed within nine months.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Invensys Dimetronic has won a Euro 6.4 million contract from Spanish civil contractor SACYR for signalling works associated with a new high-speed line (HSL) linking Malaga and Cordoba.

The overall project involves building an entirely new line in parallel to the existing one, together with extensive modifications to existing signalling systems. As part of the HSL, the Spanish Ministry of Infrastructures and the local council in Malaga have also agreed on the construction of a new rail tunnel near the city.

Under its contract, Invensys Dimetronic is responsible for modifying both the existing Westrace electronic interlocking system in Malaga and all the trackside equipment involved. This will be carried out in several stages in order to help with the overall project management of the civil infrastructure construction. The company will also be carrying out modifications to Spanish infrastructure administrator ADIF’s centralised traffic control (CTC) technology in Malaga.

SACYR is the main sub-contractor for ADIF on this project, which is due to be completed in 18 months.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Invensys Dimetronic has won a Euro 5.5 million contract to supply signalling works linking the new PLAtaforma Logística de Zaragoza (PLAZA) railway complex in Zaragoza, Spain, with the existing network.

Joining PLAZA to the network involves construction of the new Zaragoza Ronda Sur (by-pass) and the ALDESA-COALVI UTE has won this contract. A UTE is a temporary joint venture formed under Spanish law for a specific contract. The UTE awarded this contract to Invensys Dimetronic.

The project involves supply of joint-less track circuits and modification of the Westrace electronic interlockings included in both the PLAZA complex and the new Zaragoza by-pass. The project is due to be completed in 15 months.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Invensys Dimetronic lands major contract for Madrid Metro extensions

Invensys Dimetronic has won a Euro 18 million contract to supply signalling equipment for two major extensions that are currently being made to the Madrid Metro (MM).

The first extension, MetroNorte, goes an extra 15.8 km north of Madrid to connect with Alcobendas and San Sebastian do los Reyes. For its part, MetroEste extends an extra 8.4 km eastwards to connect with Coslada and San Fernando de Henares.

In order to fulfil this contract, Invensys Dimetronic is supplying its proven Distance To Go ATP/ATO system which is currently in operation on lines 8, 10 and 12 of the MM. In addition, the company is also supplying ATO track-train bi-directional communications together with the associated Platform ATO Communicator (PAC) system needed at the stations.

The contract was awarded by MINTRA, the company owned by the regional government in Madrid. Delivery for MetroNorte is due in 25 months while that for MetroEste will take three months longer.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Dimetronic play key role in Metro de Madrid enhancement plan
 
During the period 2003/07 the Council of Transport and Infrastructure of the Autonomous Region of Madrid has implemented the biggest network enhancement in the history of Metro de Madrid. A total of 53.14 Km of heavy metro plus 27.77 Km of light rail have been constructed representing 80.91 km’s of new line.

Dimetronic, part of Invensys Rail Group, has been heavily involved in the Madrid Metro’s Enhancement Plan, installing the company’s Signalling and Automatic Train Control systems both in the heavy metro’s lines and rolling stock.

Westrace electronic interlocking, FS5000 Jointless Track Circuits and MD2000 electric point machines have been installed along with TBS 100 (Speed Codes) and TBS 500 (Distance To Go) Automatic Train Control systems in all 53.14 Km of conventional metro. This network has also been integrated within Dimetronic’s Centralised Traffic Control at Alto del Arenal.

Part of the enhancement plan included the acquisition of new rolling stock. The TBS 500 ATC system has now been installed by Dimetronic in 90 of the 3000 series trains and 52 of the 9000 series trains. TBS 500 allows trains to run in Distance To Go and Speed Code ATP functionalities – depending on the equipment installed track-side. These trains are now ready to be upgraded to a CBTC (Communication Based Train Control) moving block system. SIRIUS, Dimetronic’s CBTC system, works through a digital transmission radio system for the continuous bidirectional interchange of information between the line’s fixed equipment and the on-board sub-system.

A total of nine lines were awarded to Dimetronic by the contracting authority, MINTRA, in order to ensure the reliable performance of this ambitious Enhancement Plan. The number of km’s to be equipped within the project timescale of six months represented a real challenge and included the commissioning and opening for revenue service. Dimetronic’s particular focus was to ensure the seamless integration of the nine line terminals connecting to the existing lines, all of which need to be modified without causing service disruption.

Dimetronic’s proven engineering and project management skills coupled with a history of manufacturing excellence all contributed to the success of this project and satisfaction of the Madrid Council.

Project milestone dates.

•24-11-2006 - Line  5 (Canillejas - Alameda de Osuna), Length: 2,5 Km, New stations: 2

•18-12-2006 – Line 11 (PanBendito– La Peseta), Length: 2,7 Km, New stations: 3
• 22-12-2006 – Line 10 (new station - AviaciónEspañola)
• 15-01-2007 – Line 8 (new station - Pinardel Rey)
• 16-02-2007 – Line 2 (Ventas – La Elipa), Length: 1,6 Km, New stations: 1
• 30-03-2007 – Line 1 (Plaza de Castilla – Estaciónde Chamartín) and 11-04-2007 – Line 1 (Estaciónde Chamartín– Pinarde Chamartín), Length: 2,7 Km, New stations: 3
• 11-04-2007 – Line 4 (Parquede Santa María– Pinarde Chamartín), Length: 2,7 Km, New stations: 3
• 21-04-2007 – Line 3 (Legazpi – Villaverde Alto), Length: 8,7 Km, plus 1,2 Km to the Depot, New stations: 7
• 26-04-2007 – MetroNorte or Line 10b (Fuencarral - TresOlivos- Alcobendasand San Sebastiánde los Reyes), Length: 15,7 Km, New stations: 11
• 03-05-2007 – Line 8 (Barajas – Airport, T4), Length: 2,5 Km, New stations: 1
• 05-05-2007 – MetroEste or Line 7b (Las Musas – Olympic stadium – Coslada and San Fernando de Henares), Length: 12,4 Km, New stations: 8
• 16-05-2007 – Line 1 (Congosto – Ensanchede Vallecas), Length: 1,6 Km, New stations: 3

Invensys Dimetronic lands Madrid Metro contract
 
Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract worth Euro 7 million to supply automatic train control equipment for use on a new extension to the Madrid Metro (MM).

MINTRA, a company owned by the regional government of Madrid, is currently extending line 3 of the MM from 6.3 km and 11 stations to 14.9 km and 18 stations. The same company is also responsible for placing all contracts associated with the project. Under its contract, Invensys Dimetronic is to supply the Westrace electronic interlocking system, joint-less track circuits (JLTCs), and automatic train protection (ATP)/automatic train operation (ATO) Distance To Go technology. The company is also responsible for carrying out modifications to the control traffic centre (CTC) in Madrid. 

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Major Madrid Metro contract for Invensys Dimetronic

Invensys Dimetronic has won a Euro 4 million contract to supply signalling equipment for use on the Madrid Metro (MM).

MINTRA, the company owned by the regional government of Madrid, is currently carrying out a three-year upgrade of the MM. This includes an automatic train operation (ATO) signalling system on five of the MM lines, the connection of four MM line extensions to the Alto del Arenal centralised traffic control (CTC) system and the connection of this CTC to the Metronorte and Metroeste lines. The upgrade also includes four automatic train protection (ATP)/ATO test tracks for the Canillejas rail depot. For its part, Invensys Dimetronic is responsible for supplying the track ATO system, ATP/ATO test track system and the modification of the CTC. Delivery is due in 10 months.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

In all modern cities of the world, transportation needs are growing rapidly due to increasing demand generated by upward trend of international business relocations, swell in commercial activities, growth of tourism, urban development and increasing population.  Such success brings challenges which are common to many growing countries around the world. People demand more mobility in an efficient and safe manner. Capacity of existing transportations systems becomes rapidly unpredictable leading to frustration and restricted commercial expansion and success. With the ever increasing global expansion trend, the initiation of a rapid transportation infrastructure is a wise and timely action, one that will be reflected in improving the living and working standards of a country’s population and its commercial centres.

Planning and implementing such complex projects, at the same time as maintaining transport systems under extreme pressure is a task within the experience and expertise of Invensys Rail Group, a world class company.

It is a painful fact but every one knows how long it takes to get from the outskirts of Dubai city starting from Jebel Ali to Garhoud area and on to Sharjah on a Thursday evening on the Shaikh Zayed road; and with the unprecedented building programmes from Dubai World Centre, the Palms and the ever increasing developments, things aren’t going to get any better. Well at least not in the short term.

That is way the Dubai Road and Transport Authority are looking to expand the plans for the metro system to include lines connecting the vital parts of the city with convenient connections and interchanges that are sure to offer and provide a convenient way of travel.  If Dubai in particular and the Middle East in general are to continue to attract overseas investments, these transport infrastructure projects are a priority and an integral part of future successful blue print envisaged by the cities leaders

Recognising the importance of transport and Dubai’s leading position in being boldly the first in the Middle East to plan and start executing a world class Metro System, the Rail Infrastructure Conference naturally is being held in Dubai 4th & 5th of June

2007 and Invensys Rail Group are giving their view and highlighting the advantages of their tried and tested systems on how to solve these problems. 

The company’s products are at the heart of many of the world’s major railway and metro networks, with current projects including both major refurbishment programs, such as the London Underground Victoria Line upgrade, and complex new infrastructure schemes, including the Canada Line Rapid Transit Project in Vancouver.

The company’s work in Vancouver involves the implementation of a complete, Integrated Control and Communications System (ICCS) for a new driverless metro - the 19km Canada Line Project, currently one of the world’s largest green field infrastructure projects. This new, 16 station line, will provide an automated, driverless rail service, linking central Vancouver with the Richmond suburbs and Vancouver International Airport. It will be completed in time for the Winter Olympics which are to be hosted by the city in 2010.

At the heart of the ICCS will be Invensys Rail Group’s control system, SystematICS. This will manage the integration of each of the power, tunnel ventilation and communications sub-systems, including: traction power supply; electrical and mechanical monitoring; CCTV; public address; passenger information display; passenger counting; voice  communications and passenger alarm. It will also link to the fire detection, fare collection and unmanned train control systems.

The whole system will be linked by a fibre optic transmission network, covering the entire length of the line and will come together in a single integrated Human Machine Interface (HMI) in the Operations and Maintenance Centre Control Room. From here, the operator will be able to control and monitor all functions for the entire rail network.

Invensys Rail Group’s mainline projects in Spain and Portugal demonstrate how they continue to lead the way in the application of new, high-efficiency technology. In Portugal, Invensys Rail Group has built a mutually satisfying long-term relationship with the client on the basis of many successful SSI installations and new control centres for key mainline routes. In Spain, their pioneering work on the ERTMS pilot scheme between Madrid and Valencia has resulted in a major commission to supply, install, implement and maintain FUTUR ERTMS solutions on a new high speed line from Cordoba to Malaga. For Barcelona Metro, they have recently been successful in implementing a driverless solution for Line 11.  

Work for the Kowloon Canton Rail Corporation (KCRC) shows how Westinghouse and its parent company Invensys Rail Group can provide solutions beyond the abilities of any other supplier.  Despite the sophistication and complexity of the world’s first fully Integrated operations Control Centre System (ICCS) the KCRC has enjoyed 99.98% reliability since its commissioning, as well as the vital benefits of reduced costs, and improved performance and safety.

The Middle East is a very important emerging market to Invensys Rail Group, with a Memorandum of Understanding in place with a prominent leading UAE company; Invensys Rail Group is continuing its endeavour to win and deliver world class projects and be part of the region’s history. Consequently, they are taking part in the Rail Infrastructure – MENA 2007 conference June 4th & 5th in Dubai as the main sponsor.

Invensys Rail Group can demonstrate that, in partnership with clients and through strategic alliances with equal global players, they are able to plan and deliver comprehensive transportation solutions throughout the world. Their expertise in delivering world class projects in addition to working closely with their clients to provide constant support, advice and training gives Invensys Rail Group the international edge and capabilities that are matched by none, and of that, they are extremely proud.

Sir Graham Hugh Boyce was educated in Hurstpierpoint School, Hurstpierpoint, Sussex, England.1 He graduated from Jesus College, Cambridge University, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, with a Master of Arts (M.A.).1 After law at Cambridge and a year as a VSO teacher he joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and studied Arabic in Lebanon.

Sir Graham served in the Diplomatic Service between 1968 and 2003, during which time he held the following offices:

• Consul-General to Sweden -- 1987 and 1990
• Ambassador and Consul-General to Qatar -- 1990 - 1993
• Ambassador to Kuwait -- 1996 - 1999
• Ambassador to Egypt -- 1999 – 2001
 
He was invested as a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (C.M.G.) in 1991 and as a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (K.C.M.G.) in 2001.

Sir Graham currently hols the following positions:

• Chairman, Middle East Advisory Board, Invensys
• Chairman, Middle East Advisory Board, Lehman Brothers                  
• Middle East Adviser, Air Products
• Member of International Advisory Council, Kuwait Investment Office
• Vice-Chairman, Middle East Association
• Joint Chairman, Windsor Energy Group
• Trustee of the Dakhleh Oasis Trust (Egypt)

 

Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract worth over Euro 33 million to supply its Digital ASFA product to Spanish train operator RENFE.

ASFA has been Spain’s national railway network train protection system for the last 30 years, preventing wayside signal overruns and enhancing traffic safety. However, component obsolescence has recently lead both RENFE and Spanish infrastructure administrator ADIF to specify technical and functional requirements for a new on-board ASFA system

The contract covers the supply and installation of 1200 sets of Invensys Dimetronic’s new ASFA-TBS system, together with the engineering needed to adapt it for use on several different types of train.
The contract is divided into two parts: the first 18 months are devoted to developing the system prototype and gaining approvals for it, while the following 12 months will focus on manufacturing and installing the new sets. The contract also includes a two-year maintenance clause. It follows on from a contract awarded in 2006 to supply, install and commission 80 ASFA-TBS sets for ADIF and 400 ASFA-TBS sets for RENFE.
Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian Peninsula.

Westinghouse to supply Melbourne with a world class train control system

Westinghouse Rail Systems Australia Limited (WRSA), part of the Invensys Rail Group, has been awarded a A$27M contract to design, install, commission, maintain and support the Core Train Control and Monitoring System (Core TCMS) at Melbourne’s Metropolitan Train Control facility, known as ‘Metrol’.

The contract has been awarded by the DOI (Department of Infrastructure, Victoria) as part of their progressive upgrade of the urban rail transport system serving the Melbourne area.

The existing train control system was first installed in 1982 and still relies on much of the technology supplied at that time. Many of the operations are paper or manually based, limiting the potential capacity of the railway.

Melbourne has the second largest metropolitan rail network in Australia catering for 146 million passengers each year, travelling over 850 kilometres of track. The main station of Melbourne’s metropolitan rail services, Flinders Street, supports a maximum density of 410 train movements during its morning peak from 7-9am. The new system will coordinate the city's 11,000 weekly train services and allow for future expansion.

WRSA has worked with the DOI to agree a detailed system definition as part of the tender process and will supply a SystematICS™ control system, customised to meet DOI needs. SystematICS™ is a certified Safety Integrity Level 2 environment that integrates all other functional subsystems required for total control of any railway. The extremely high availability and advanced train control features of SystematICS™ will assure Melbourne commuters of dependable rail services under all conditions.

With expertise gained worldwide on similar projects, WRSA will replace the train control and monitoring system at Metrol without causing disruption for commuters. This stage of upgrading work, due for completion in November 2010, will be carried out whilst the existing control site is still operational.

The new system will be designed to enter timetables and generate traffic plans as well as provide train reporting, train describer, electronic train graph and automatic route setting functionality.  These train control applications will provide real time data of train arrivals and departures to enhance the existing passenger information systems and facilitate on-line staff and fleet resource integration.

Supporting the whole operation will be a dedicated test and training simulator used both to validate the system’s functionality and certify trained staff on its operational use.

The contract includes five years maintenance support of the core TCMS with an option for a further five years support.

The Westinghouse SystematICS™ platform is ideally designed to support any future enhancements to the Core TCMS, providing DOI with a world class train control and monitoring system that can be easily expanded for many years to come.

With the Westinghouse SystematICS™ platform and the ongoing maintenance support for core TCMS, WRSA aims to provide Melbourne with the latest technology to provide reliable rail operations into the decades to come.

Queensland Rail have awarded Westinghouse Rail Systems the Bluff-Blackwater duplication project. This major win follows other recent successes with the Windah-Grantleigh and R.G. Tanner projects. Together they total over $20m of orders associated with QR's current major coal fields investment programme, with many more opportunities to come.

Safetran are gearing up to show its line of level crossing warning and control equipment and its GEO ® Signal System for non-electrified territories on the Invensys stand, #114, at InnoTrans 2006.   Not many people realize that in addition to its market leading wayside signaling and crossing equipment, Safetran is a major supplier of digital voice dispatch systems (with VOIP capability to the field), mainline and yard switch machines and vital relays.   In fact the company’s products are sold to railroads and mass transit companies across North America, in South America and in Eastern Europe. Additional information is available at www.Safetran.com