Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, is undertaking another major digitalisation project in Hamburg, Germany. Alstom has signed a contract with S-Bahn Hamburg to equip 82 BR 490 S-Bahn trains with the European Train Control System (ETCS) and modern Automatic Train Operation (ATO) technologies. The contract value is reported to exceed 60 million euros.
A New Era with Semi-Automatic Train Operation
Within the scope of the project, the trains will be retrofitted with ATO technology that will enable semi-automatic train operation at GoA2 level. In the first phase, four prototype trains will be equipped with ETCS Onvia units and ATO technology at Alstom’s facilities in Hennigsdorf and will be rehomologated. Technical equipment will be provided for the remaining 78 trains; Alstom will provide technical support for the series modernization process, which will be carried out by Deutsche Bahn.
The Entire Fleet Will Be Ready for Digital Rail Systems
This modernization of 82 trains will enable the digitalization of the first BR 2013 train sets ordered in 490. The 490 trains in the second batch of the BR 64 fleet left the factory equipped with ETCS and ATO systems. This will make the entire BR 490 fleet fully compatible with digital rail operations.
Statements from Authorities
Tim Dawidowsky, President of Alstom Central and Northern Europe Region, made the following assessment of the project:
“The combination of digitalisation and automation is the key to greener mobility on the railways. It enables shorter journeys, higher passenger capacity and lower energy consumption. In this way, climate protection and the goal of switching to rail go hand in hand.”
Jan Schröder, Chairman of the Board of Directors of S-Bahn Hamburg, evaluated the project as follows:
“With the complete digitalization of the S-Bahn Hamburg, we are setting new standards for the future of rail transport. Working with a strong partner like Alstom is an important step in terms of quality and efficiency.”
Alstom, Global Leader in Digital Railway Systems
With more than 120 ETCS projects worldwide, around 200 Onvia Cab units installed in over 24.800 vehicle types and over 13.300 kilometres of digital signalling infrastructure, Alstom plays a leading role in the digitalisation of railways. Compliant with the latest TSI 2023 standard, Onvia Cab systems offer flexible solutions for both installation in new trains and renewal in existing fleets.
Within the scope of the “Digital Node Stuttgart” project in Germany, Alstom is pioneering the digitalization process by equipping 215 S-Bahn and 118 regional trains with ETCS and ATO technologies.
