French train maker Alstom has been awarded a €1bn contract to supply an automatic train control system to replace the existing signalling installation in Perth, Western Australia.

The Urbalis CBTC communications-based train control system will be designed, supplied, installed, tested, commissioned and maintained by Alstom and DT Infrastructure in an alliance with the Public Transport Authority on Perth’s suburban rail network.

The project should enable a 40% increase in network capacity, energy saving benefits, cyber security and future proofing of the network for growth with little disruption to commuters.

DT Infrastructure is an Australian provider of engineering and construction services. The €1bn contract by the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA, www.pta.wa.gov.au) is said to be the world’s largest signalling project by route length. It features the provision of Urbalis CBTC technology installed by DT Infrastructure’s local workforce.

Perth will become the third Australian city to deploy Alstom’s Urbalis CBTC signalling, joining around 190 other global metro lines. Once completed, the project will provide Perth with a 40% increase in network capacity. The project will also be delivered with a dedicated plan to reduce disruption to Perth’s commuters during installation. Features include enhanced cyber security and energy saving and a multipurpose communications system based on a private LTE radio network.

“Western Australia is experiencing a rail renaissance with the recent first passenger service of the Alstom’s C-series train, built locally in Bellevue,” said Pascal Dupond, managing director for Alstom (www.alstom.com) in Australia and New Zealand. “Now comes the investment in the world’s best signalling technology. Clearly, the West Australian government requires the best for the people of Perth. It is our privilege to deliver this, backed by our global expertise and local knowhow for Western Australia, continuing our long history of deep partnership with the state.

The high-capacity signalling project is part of the Metronet programme and secures 750 local jobs in Western Australia with a range of global Alstom and DT Infrastructure experts deploying internationally to Perth for the project. The project will also have a large focus on upskilling PTA staff on the signalling technology as well as a focus on the local supply chain, in particular for Aboriginal operated business and employment opportunities.

“With several Metronet projects nearing completion, Perth’s upgraded rail network means residents and visitors are more connected than ever before,” said DT Infrastructure (dtinfrastructure.com.au) CEO Darren Crichton. “The high-capacity signalling programme will ensure that this capability is fully utilised, running more trains more often. We’re delighted to be working with Alstom to deliver this remarkable project, drawing on our extensive experience optimising and delivering improvements to passenger rail networks across Australia.”