A Metro line in São Paulo, Brazil has become Latin America’s first fully automated metro line through the use of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling.

Siemens Mobility has installed digital CBTC signalling across the entire Metro Line 4. The first stretch of line opened in 2010. Since then, it has become the first fully automated metro line in South America that can operate with GoA 4, which is the highest grade of automation that allows trains to be automatically controlled and operated. The system allows for a more efficient and centralised control of operations, while also increasing the safety, availability, and capacity across the entire network.

Also known as “the Yellow Line”, Line 4 has a capacity of up to one million passengers per day. From the main railway station “Estação da Luz” to “Vila Sônia,” the line is 15 km long and has 11 stations and a fleet of 29 trains. The line is operated by ViaQuatro, one of the companies of CCR Mobilidade, the division responsible for all urban mobility projects of the CCR Group in Brazil.

For the last 15 years, Siemens Mobility has been working with ViaQuatro to install digital signalling solutions, including CBTC-UTO (GoA4 driverless) Trainguard MT, telecommunication on board, train-to-track, interlocking-SICAS, VICOS and SCADA systems.

The digital system will allow ViaQuatro to increase safely the number of vehicles on Line 4, with a greater frequency of service so that more passengers can be carried on the system. Operational efficiency will also be improved through the ability to continuously receive updates on system status, resulting in fewer delays and more up-to-date travel information.

Siemens Mobility has also been a technology provider for CCR Mobilidade for many years. This includes recent projects for signalling and electrification of Metropolitan Lines 8 and 9 in São Paulo, and advanced technology for two surface Metro Lines (GoA2) in Salvador, Bahia.

The Siemens Mobility CBTC solution, Trainguard MT, is the most extensively deployed automatic train control system in the world and is used by many operators, including Paris, Beijing, New York, London, Hong Kong, and Buenos Aires.

Francisco Pierrini, CEO of ViaQuatro and ViaMobilidade, said:

“The full operation of Line 4-Amarela is a historic milestone in our efforts to expand and modernize the metro-rail system in São Paulo, and to offer a modern and increasingly reliable service to the passengers of ViaQuatro. We are pleased that Siemens Mobility will continue to contribute significantly to this end.”

Andreas Facco Bonetti, CEO Siemens Mobility Brazil and Region Latin America, said:
“We are proud to have partnered with ViaQuatro on this landmark project. São Paulo’s Line 4 has been the most innovative metro line in Latin America and our state-of-the-art digitalized technology can provide up to one million passengers per day with an enhanced passenger experience that features increased safety, reliability, and availability.”