Australian operator RailCorp has awarded French company Alstom several contracts worth $65m for the upgrade of its rail signalling system to improve safety across Sydney's CityRail network in Australia.
Alstom will deliver an automatic train protection system for the CityRail network, based on Level 1 of the European Train Control System (ETCS).
One third of CityRail's network will be installed with ETCS technology by 2015, and 160 trains will be fitted with the equipment, covering over 600km of track.
The first 50 newly equipped trains will begin service in 2013, and a nine-year maintenance contract is also part of the agreement.
The system uses radio transceivers placed at regular intervals along the track, which communicate with compatible trains.
ETCS level 1 is designed to further improve safety across the network, while ETCS level 2 will give Australia the potential to upgrade to high-speed rail.
The agreement also includes a pilot line for ETCS level 2 to be installed on the Cronulla Branch Line, where the system can permit more trains per hour with improved safety and reliability.
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