[Feature image: From left to right: Simon Bradbury, Chief Officer Strategy and Growth at DT Infrastructure; Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport; Zaneta Mascarenhas MP, Federal Member for Swan; and Pascal Dupond, Managing Director at Alstom Infrastructure Pty Ltd.]

The public transport system of Perth is set to receive substantial technology and infrastructure improvements, facilitating increased train frequency.

The AD Alliance, a collaboration between Alstom and DT Infrastructure Pty Ltd, has secured a $1.6 billion contract to spearhead the METRONET High Capacity Signalling Project.

The METRONET program, which represents a record investment, will benefit greatly from this project, with a significant increase in the number of trains operating on the network anticipated in the coming years.

Project Highlights:

• Upgrading signalling across the entire 500km Transperth train network.
• Installing over 7,000 transponders to enable precise train location tracking.
• Introducing new in-cab signalling equipment for 125 trains, including those in the Transwa regional fleet.
• Enhancing passenger information systems with over 600 new displays across 89 stations.
• Laying more than 250km of electrical conduit.

Understanding High Capacity Signalling 

High capacity signalling utilizes a ‘moving block’ system. This system continuously monitors and maintains an exclusive space, or ‘block’, around each train, preventing overlap with other trains. This allows trains to run closer together, using 30 to 40 percent less space than the current system, while ensuring there is always enough space and time to adjust speed or stop safely.

The METRONET High Capacity Signalling Project will replace the outdated signalling and control systems, first introduced in 1990. The control technology will be managed from the new state-of-the-art Public Transport Operations Control Centre in East Perth.

Source: Link