Siemens Mobility announced on Aug 19, 2021, the decision to utilise the Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system technology for the cross border Singapore-Johor Bahru RTS Link.
This came after the initial announcement on the nine contracts for core systems & non-core systems awarded by RTS Operations (RTSO) on May 12, 2021.
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CBTC Signalling System for Singapore-Johor Bahru RTS Link
Click to Enlarge: Moving Block CBTC Signalling System. (Graphic: SGTrains)
Siemens Mobility will be utilising the Trainguard MT signalling system, touted by the supplier as a “high-performance CBTC system for maximum throughput and capacity.”
The RTS Link is capable of running trains at Grade of Automation 4 (GOA4), the highest grade of automation that allows for trains to be automatically controlled and operated.
According to the IEC 62267 standards, a GOA4 standard is effectively a system that is capable of fully automated and unattended train operations.
Siemens Mobility said that this cross border utilisation of the CBTC signalling system would also be the first in the industry.
10,000 Passengers an Hour in Each Direction
Bukit Chagar train station for the RTS Link. (Image: MRT Corp).
With the RTS Link slated to commence passenger service by end-2026, Siemens Mobility said that it will be able to transport an estimated 10,000 passengers an hour in each direction.
The supplier added that it can help ease current congestion at existing border entry points and improve cross-border connectivity and bolstering economic activity in the region.
Andre Rodenbeck, CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility said that they are “delighted to have the opportunity to provide our state-of-the-art signalling technology.”
He added that this important regional project will also “deliver a vital transportation link for the almost 300,000 people who cross the Malaysian-Singapore border daily for work.”
When completed, passengers can look forward to seamless connectivity through Woodlands North station between the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL).
Siemens Mobility in Singapore & Malaysia
Siemens Mobility is involved in various projects for rail network signalling systems in both Singapore and Malaysia.
Siemens Mobility in Singapore
After acquiring Invensys Rail Group in Nov 2012, Siemens Mobility is currently the signalling supplier for the Downtown Line (DTL).
The upcoming Jurong Region Line (JRL), which is slated for passenger service in 2027, will also be powered by Siemens Mobility signalling systems.
Both DTL and JRL projects utilise the Trainguard Sirius signalling system, capable of GOA4 operations.
Siemens Mobility in Malaysia
Planned for passenger service in 2024, Siemens Mobility is currently working on implementing the Trainguard MT signalling system for the Light Rail Transit Line 3 (LRT3).
The 37.8 kilometres LRT3 line, in the region of Klang Valley, is capable of GOA4 operations.
About RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO)
RTSO is a joint venture formed in 2020 by Singapore rail operator SMRT Corporation Ltd (SMRT) and a Malaysian rail operator Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana). It will own, design, build and finance the RTS Link operating assets including trains, tracks and systems.
In addition, this company will also operate and maintain the rail line between Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and Woodlands North in Singapore, including the Wadi Hana depot in Johor Bahru.
Check Out Other Related Posts
9 Contracts Awarded for Singapore-Johor Bahru RTS Link Systems
Related Links
Signalling Systems – SGTrains
Thomson-East Coast Line – SGTrains
Downtown Line – SGTrains
Jurong Region Line – SGTrains
Network – SGTrains
External Links
Siemens Mobility to install CBTC on the rail link connecting Malaysia and Singapore – Siemens Mobility [Accessed 03 Sep 2021]
Communications-Based Train Control System – Siemens Mobility [Accessed 03 Sep 2021]
IEC 62267:2009 – IEC Webstore [Accessed 03 Sep 2021]
Siemens delivers signaling for a fully automated metro in Malaysia – Siemens Mobility [Accessed 03 Sep 2021]
Images adapted from Siemens Mobility and MRT Corp.
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