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Thales and SMRT partner for greener rides

As part of its commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, Singapore’s SMRT Trains has partnered Thales on a key initiative called “The Next-Generation Green CBTC Project”, which aims to reduce electricity consumption and further improve traction energy efficiency of the North-South and East-West lines (NSEWL), the oldest in the country’s rail network.

Thales’ SelTrac CBTC signalling system first entered into service on NSEWL in 2017 and has since enhanced signalling system reliability and passenger experience. As NSEWL is managed by CBTC signalling, the traction-related actions of acceleration, braking and coasting are controlled by the Automatic Train Operation (ATO) system.

Since its entry into service, Thales’ Automatic Train Control (ATC) system running on these lines has developed smart algorithms on how a train is controlled, following optimised running curves to achieve best energy-saving results with negligible impact on travel time.

For instance, it uses coasting techniques (where the train is running with the electricity supply to its traction motors shut off and the brakes are not applied) in some predefined locations between the stations – which have been carefully identified to optimize its green features. The topography of the lines and the train speed at different locations of the MRT lines are fully integrated in the software, maximising the use of train coasting mode and thus, saving energy.

At present, traction usage constitutes 60 per cent of total energy use on NSEWL. The direct impact to energy usage on NSEWL from both train movement profiles and operational profiles will be analyzed using revenue operational data collected by the SelTrac CBTC system to continuously improve the algorithms and recommend suitable changes.

By improving train movement profiles through the signalling system and making minor modifications to operational procedures, SMRT Trains and Thales aim to meet a target of 15 per cent reduction in traction power – inherently making passenger rides on NSEWL greener.

Thales country director and chief executive Emily Tan said the partnership served as a testament to how Thales is working closely with local customers to provide cutting-edge technology solutions to real-world challenges.

Over the past decade, Thales has reinforced its position as a leading transportation provider for ticketing, communication and signalling solutions in Singapore.

In February 2022, Thales and SMRT Trains signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate and leverage digital technologies such as Data Analytics to enhance rail maintenance and operations to deliver reliable and sustainable rides in Singapore.

This Green CBTC initiative serves as a testament to the strong partnership Thales has with the Singapore rail operator to make green railway journeys a reality, and also marks the 10th anniversary of Thales being selected by SMRT to provide its renowned signalling solutions for Singapore’s oldest rail lines.

The program was demonstrated at InnoTrans 2022.