Skip to main content

Thales wins San Francisco train control contract

Thales has been awarded a US$23 million contract by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) for the design and construction of advanced train control technology for the new Central Subway project, an extension of the existing T Line. Thales will supply its field-proven SelTrac communications based train control (CBTC) technology for the 1.7 mile project, a solution designed to improve transit options for residents in one of the city’s most densely populated neighbourhoods, provide a ra
October 15, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
596 Thales has been awarded a US$23 million contract by the 4802 San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) for the design and construction of advanced train control technology for the new Central Subway project, an extension of the existing T Line.

Thales will supply its field-proven SelTrac communications based train control (CBTC) technology for the 1.7 mile project, a solution designed to improve transit options for residents in one of the city’s most densely populated neighbourhoods, provide a rapid transit link to a burgeoning technology and digital media hub and improve access to a premier commercial district and tourist attraction.

For SFMTA, the SelTrac CBTC solution provides maximum performance in terms of headways, passenger throughput and energy conservation. It monitors the location of each train with a high degree of accuracy, which allows faster response times, more tightly controlled movements and easier expandability and adaptability. In addition, the solution offers the opportunity to lower life-cycle costs and increase revenue by moving more people more quickly. For passengers, the system will result in safe operations and a more predictable commute.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Carbon finance delivers critical support to mass transit schemes
    February 2, 2012
    David Crawford investigates carbon finance in transport. World Bank carbon finance grants are delivering critical support to major mass transit deployments in emerging and developing economies. Only recently operative in the transport sector, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM, see panel) is designed to generate additional income streams and improve internal rates of return on projects funded from public- and private-sector sources.
  • Communications redundancy increases VMS reliability
    December 17, 2014
    Hybrid communications to variable message signs increase resilience to natural disasters and enable deployment in remote areas, as Alan Allegretto explains. Variable Message Signs (VMSs) are a common sight and a well-proven means to improve public safety on our roads and highways. ITS professionals rank the VMS as second only to interoperable radios as the most important technology to improve effectiveness during emergency incidents and evacuations. Ironically, however, current systems suffer from one criti
  • Professional training key to the future of ITS
    May 21, 2012
    A substantial portfolio of resources is available and expanding, to help employers and professionals build essential skills for current and future needs – the ITS Professional Capacity Building Program. Pete Goldin reports. The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) views ITS as key to the future of transportation, as is evident from the department’s ITS Professional Capacity Building (PCB) program. This is a further manifestation of USDOT’s commitment to ITS. The PCB program provides anyone in the transpo
  • Conscience versus convenience
    June 8, 2015
    David Crawford looks at new ways forward for public transport. By 2025, nearly 60% of the world’s population will be living in towns and cities, increasing their extent and density, and the journeys that people make within and between them. In response, the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) wants to see public transport’s global modal share doubling (PTx2) by the same date. “Success in 2025,” a spokesperson told ITS International, “will save 170 million tonnes of oil equivalent and 550