The Société de transport de Montréal relies on Thales to upgrade its metro network

Key points

• Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has awarded Thales a contract to upgrade computer-based interlocking systems on its metro network.
• The contract calls for 16 new systems at 15 stations and 1 depot.
• This first step will significantly improve STM’s existing infrastructure and supports future network developments.

The Montreal Metro is Canada’s busiest rapid transit system and North America’s third busiest in terms of daily ridership, with an average of 1.25 million passenger trips per weekday[1]. To replace ageing trackside equipment and ensure service quality, STM will upgrade fixed equipment on the network and build a strategic new depot adjacent to Côte-Vertu station to keep pace with increased ridership. As part of this programme, STM will upgrade 16 computer-based interlocking systems at 15 stations across the entire rapid transit network.

The contract includes a firm order for the replacement of 8 systems, with an option on a further 8 systems for 15 existing stations and one new depot at Côte-Vertu station, which will enable STM to improve network operations by adding more trains at peak times.

STM is continually investing to increase network capacity and service frequency and in turn improve quality of life for citizens. The state-of-the-art interlocking systems from Thales offer operators the highest levels of performance and dependability and comply with the world’s most stringent standards. The solution that will be installed at Montreal has been proven on projects around the world and is already in operation in numerous cities including Toronto, New York and Hyderabad. By choosing to work with Thales, STM is preparing the groundwork for any future development of its network, since the equipment supplied can readily accommodate new CBTC (communication-based train control) technology.

[1] According to the 2017 Q1 American Public transportation Association Ridership Report for Heavy Rail