Alstom bags Signalling Contract for Porto Metro Pink Line in Portugal

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Porto, Portugal (Metro Rail Today): Alstom has secured a significant contract from Metro do Porto to supply signalling, safety, and control systems for the new pink line of Metro de Porto. The contract entails the implementation of Alstom's Cityflo 250 signalling system, equipped with advanced interlocking technology for real-time monitoring of vehicles. The engineering, installation, and commissioning of the system will be carried out at Alstom's facility in Maia, located in the Porto district.

The initial segment of the pink line, spanning 3 kilometers and featuring 4 underground stations, will establish a crucial connection between S. Bento and Glorieta de Boavista, enhancing accessibility to Porto's city center. Upon its inauguration, the new line is anticipated to attract over 30 million passengers in its first year of operation, significantly reducing reliance on private vehicles and mitigating traffic congestion. Moreover, the implementation of the pink line is projected to curtail CO2 emissions by nearly 1,500 tonnes annually. Metro de Porto intends to expand the pink line further, envisioning a circular route that seamlessly integrates with the entire Metro network.

David Torres, Managing Director of Alstom in Portugal, expressed pride in the collaboration with Metro do Porto, affirming Alstom's commitment to enhancing mobility for residents and visitors in Porto. The project will be spearheaded from Alstom's engineering hub in Maia, leveraging the company's expertise in signalling projects and digital mobility technologies for both the Portuguese and international markets. Torres emphasized that the initiative underscores Alstom's dedication to promoting sustainable mobility solutions in Portugal.

Metro de Porto serves as the light rail system for Porto, encompassing approximately 78 kilometers of track across six lines and catering to around 70 million passengers annually. Alstom has been a longstanding partner of Metro do Porto, having supplied the network with 102 trains currently in operation, along with onboard signalling systems. Alstom remains committed to supporting Metro do Porto's expansion endeavors, having recently provided the onboard Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system for the 18 newly added trains.

With a presence in Portugal for over three decades, Alstom has played a pivotal role in the country's rail transport landscape. Notably, two out of three trains operating in Portugal have been manufactured by Alstom or feature Alstom technology, spanning high-speed, regional, metro, and tram trains. Additionally, Alstom's ATP system manages more than 1,500 kilometers of the Portuguese rail network and over 500 onboard units, demonstrating the company's extensive footprint in the country's rail infrastructure domain.

Alstom's expertise in communications-based train control (CBTC) spans over three decades, with a portfolio boasting over 190 metro lines equipped across 32 countries. The company's track record underscores its status as a premier provider of mass transit solutions worldwide.