Skip to main content

SkyTrain signals more work for Thales

Contract win extends manufacturer's SelTrac CBTC footprint in Vancouver’s mass transit system
By David Arminas September 29, 2020 Read time: 2 mins
Broadway Subway will extend the existing SkyTrain network (© Jerry Coli | Dreamstime.com)

Thales has been selected to provide its SelTrac communications-based train control (CBTC) signalling technology for the Vancouver Broadway Subway Project.

The Broadway Subway is an extension of the SkyTrain’s Millennium Line, extending it 5.7km along the Broadway Corridor, one of the busiest bus routes in North America.

It will run from VCC-Clark Station to a new station at Arbutus Street. There will be a fully integrated interchange where the existing Canada Line will intersect.

From Arbutus Station, the 99 B-Line bus service will connect passengers to the University of British Columbia. The new line will consist of 700m of elevated track and proceed underground for 5km, with six stations below the Broadway Corridor.

Skytrain’s Expo, Millennium and Canada lines in Vancouver are already equipped with Thales SelTrac technology, along with other projects in Toronto, New York City, Dubai, Doha and Santiago.

Thales is contracted by the Broadway Subway Constructors General Partnership (BSCGP).

British Columbia selected BSCGP to complete the design and construction of the line, which will be operated and maintained by British Columbia Rapid Transit.

Construction of the Broadway Subway Project is expected to start before then end of this year and is scheduled for public opening in 2025.

“The Broadway Subway is a key project in the City of Vancouver’s Transportation 2040 strategic plan,” said Dominique Gaiardo, vice president and managing director for Thales’ urban rail signalling business.

“Thales will continue to build local expertise and contribute to the mass transit capacity expansion in Vancouver with the innovative SelTrac CBTC system."

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Keolis begins first section of metro system in Hyderabad, India
    December 4, 2017
    Keolis has begun operating the first section, 30km, of a new automated metro system of Hyderabad, Telangana State, South East India. The project, launched by the Telangana government, will run across a 68km network of three lines and 65 stations in the next few years. Once completed, it is estimated to carry 1.3 million passengers daily aims to reduce road congestion and boost the local economy.
  • Thales wins third LRT contract in Taiwan
    September 6, 2017
    Thales has been awarded its third LRT contract in Taiwan by the China Steel Corporation. The Ankeng LRT project is part of the New Taipei City Department of Rapid Transit Systems transportation expansion plan in the Greater Taipei region that aims to reduce travelling time between regions and to alleviate the busy traffic volume within the metropolitan area.The Ankeng LRT line will be one of the new lines connecting passengers coming from other districts
  • Rapid bus lanes coming to San Francisco
    November 21, 2014
    San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is planning the first bus rapid transit (BRT) in the city. The Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project aims to create efficient and more reliable transit service along the Van Ness Avenue corridor, as well as promoting pedestrian safety and accessibility, enhancing the urban design, and strengthening the identity of Van Ness Avenue. The project includes centre-running, dedicated transit-only lanes on Van Ness Avenue from Mission Street to Lombard Str
  • Thales to implement traffic control system on Spanish rail line
    October 7, 2015
    Spanish railway infrastructure administrator Adif has awarded Thales a US$22 million contract for the deployment of a traffic control system and the improvement of security and communications on the 57.4 km Algeciras-Gaucín railway section in Spain. The project is expected be completed in 18 months. The improvements are expected to improve line capacity and traffic flow consistency, in addition to improving security and communications. Further integration into the Mediterranean Corridor could be achieved