Thales GTS Canada awarded $US 161.9m CBTC contract for Montreal Metro Blue Line

Montreal, Canada (Metro Rail Today): The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) took a significant step forward in the modernization of its Blue Line Metro on February 13. The Blue Line Extension office, responsible for overseeing the expansion, announced the award of a substantial contract worth C$217,173,941 to Ground Transportation Systems Canada Inc. The contract focuses on the installation, maintenance, and potential options for a new communications-based train control (CBTC) system, signaling a key upgrade for the entire Blue Line.

The CBTC system is widely employed by subway networks globally, and STM sees its implementation as an opportunity to overhaul the train control system for the entire Blue Line. Described as the "brains of underground networks," the CBTC system involves devices strategically placed along the tracks and on train cars, facilitating precise train location detection and effective communication. The upgrade is set to enhance train reliability, frequency, and passenger comfort during stops and starts, representing a substantial improvement for commuters.

Primarily funded by the Quebec government, with STM's support, the decision to replace the existing system stems from its outdated nature, rendering it incompatible with the planned extension. The CBTC system, known for its efficiency, will first be installed on the existing Blue Line and subsequently on the line extension. STM emphasizes that similar upgrades will eventually be required for the metro network's other three lines.

The Blue Line extension, currently under construction, aims to add five new stations extending east of Saint Michael Station to Anjou, covering a distance of six kilometers (3.7 miles). The ongoing project office, responsible for analyzing bids related to the tunnel construction and excavation of future stations, is expected to reveal bid analysis and assessment results in the summer of 2024.

The significance of awarding this major contract was highlighted by Deputy Minister and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Genevieve Guilbault, who expressed excitement about the long-awaited progress. The commitment to public transit development in Montreal's east end is evident through substantial investments.

Eric Alan Caldwell, STM Board of Directors Chair, stressed the necessity of modernizing the transit network, particularly when 93% of STM's infrastructure will be over 40 years old by 2030. The Blue Line extension, with its modernized train control system, aims to enhance the overall appeal of mass transit while ensuring improved service quality for commuters.

Maha Clour, Blue Line Extension Lead Project Manager, emphasized the positive impact of the CBTC system, stating that it would coordinate activities at both existing and new stations across the Blue Line. The state-of-the-art technology promises benefits for customers and operational teams alike, contributing to an overall improvement in service delivery.

The awarding of the CBTC contract represents a significant milestone in the Blue Line's transformation, marking a shift towards modernity and efficiency. As Montreal advances in its commitment to sustainable and advanced public transit, the Blue Line extension emerges as a pivotal project poised to redefine the city's metro experience.