Sporveien AS of Oslo in Norway has awarded Siemens a contract to install a Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system to modernise the Oslo Metro.

The contract, worth €270 million, was awarded by Oslo Metro’s parent company, Sporveien AS of Oslo in Norway, to Siemens Mobility. Within the contract, digital CBTC technology is to be installed across the entire 94 km of the Oslo Metro, including 6 km of new track, together with digital maintenance and support services for the CBTC system for 25 years.

Siemens Mobility’s CBTC solution, named Trainguard MT, is used by many operators worldwide, including Paris, Beijing, New York, London, and Copenhagen.

Oslo Metro opened in 1966 and is the largest of the Nordic metros. It is part of the publicly-owned corporation, Sporveien AS, which operates and maintains both the Oslo Metro and Oslo Tramway. The current network totals 88 km consisting of five lines that serve 101 stations, of which 17 are underground or indoors. The operating fleet comprises 115 Siemens MX3000 three-car trains that carry more than 100 million riders annually.

CBTC technology will replace the current signalling and will provide greater automation and connectivity, allowing for a more efficient and centralised control of operations. Renewal of the complete 94 km network will increase the availability, safety, and capacity of the Metro, while also equipping it to meet the future demands for mobility and the need for any potential expansions or upgrades.

Siemens Mobility will be responsible for the design, integration, testing, and commissioning of the system. It will also provide digital maintenance and support services for the CBTC system for 25 years using the company’s comprehensive digital asset management solutions for railway systems. These reduce the risk of failure of critical assets, increase availability, and minimize maintenance costs.

The company’s digital application suite, Railigent, which is a cloud-based platform, will also enable Oslo Metro to make use of intelligent rail data to optimise the fleet’s maintenance and operations, and help maximise its availability.

Cato Hellesjø, CEO of Sporveien, said “With this investment we are securing the future of the T-Bane in Oslo. With CBTC technology we are revolutionizing the metro network with a modern, innovative system which will provide greater train automation, increased capacity and improved traffic flow.”

Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, said “Siemens Mobility is delighted to have been selected to deliver Communications- Based Train Control signalling for the Oslo Metro. Our state-of-the-art signalling technology will increase the reliability, availability and efficiency of the Oslo Metro, which will ultimately enhance the passenger experience for the residents of Oslo.”

“This important project further underscores our leading position in the field for delivering automated signalling systems that improve the infrastructure and sustainability of public transportation.”

The Oslo CBTC system will operate at Grade of Automation level 2. It is a radio-based technology that captures real-time data of vehicles’ position and speed, and allows the number of vehicles on a line at any one time to be increased safely. That will allow a more frequent service to operate, which will increase the capacity to accommodate more passengers on the network. Additionally, by continuously receiving updates on system status, its operational efficiency will be improved, resulting in fewer delays and more up-to-date travel information.