Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility solutions, has taken a significant step towards effectively digitising the operations of New Zealand’s rail network. The company has completed the first delivery of its Iconis Traffic Management System (TMS) for KiwiRail, marking a critical milestone for the future of the country’s rail network.
Nationwide Integrated Control System
Iconis TMS will be managed by KiwiRail from two main control centres in Wellington and Auckland, and will ultimately provide control of the country’s rail operations through a single integrated system. The system, which was activated on the Wairarapa line as a pilot on Saturday, May 3, will be gradually rolled out to other lines. This will give KiwiRail access to real-time, comprehensive data on the operations of the rail network. The rollout is expected to significantly increase the resilience and capacity of the network, while providing passengers with more reliable and timely information on train operations.
Alstom and KiwiRail Collaborate to Bring Global Technology and Local Expertise Together
Alstom’s strategic partnership with KiwiRail brings together the company’s global technological know-how and local expertise to truly transform rail operations in New Zealand. The project further demonstrates Alstom’s ability to deliver high-quality solutions on time and on budget.
Remarks from Alstom Australia and New Zealand General Manager
“Our technology represents a new digital era for the New Zealand rail network, and KiwiRail joins more than 30 countries worldwide operating our proven gold-standard technology,” said Pascal Dupont, General Manager of Alstom Australia and New Zealand. Dupont also said the new system will deliver significant improvements to signalling operations, network security, management and maintenance processes, and provide improved real-time information for passengers. The system’s predictive capabilities will alert control personnel to potential network traffic problems in advance, and the system will recommend solutions to overcome these problems. The high level of network automation and the replacement of existing manual operations with a fully integrated and digitalised network will significantly improve business operations, creating a more efficient, reliable and cost-effective rail network.
Strong Emphasis on Collaboration
“Our local partnership with KiwiRail has been a great example of collaboration. It’s a textbook example of a close partnership between Alstom as the technology provider and KiwiRail, working hand in hand with a shared focus to deliver the best possible system for New Zealand rail passengers,” said Pascal Dupont.
Gradual Dissemination and Long-Term Support
The successful first phase deployment on the Wairarapa Line will allow KiwiRail to roll out the system to other parts of the country in a phased approach. Alstom will continue to provide KiwiRail with long-term support, comprehensive training and regular maintenance services at every stage of the deployment to ensure successful technology transfer.
KiwiRail Praises Collaboration
KiwiRail Project Director Carl Mills expressed his delight in the partnership with Alstom, saying: “Alstom’s technology future-proofs the New Zealand rail network, supporting network growth and increased passenger numbers, while delivering a transformational experience for our network operators and ultimately a better passenger and freight service experience. The partnership with Alstom has been successful because it is based on mutual trust, transparency and a shared desire to deliver the best possible service for passengers.”
Global Success as Onvia Vision
Alstom’s Iconis Traffic Management System, currently known as Onvia Vision, powers more than 20 mainline control centres in more than 70 countries. Drawing on more than 30 years of expertise in rail operations and signalling, this advanced system can significantly reduce train delays by 10% to 30%, while saving up to 20% on energy through optimised planning and efficient scheduling. This significant step in New Zealand has the potential to move the country’s rail network towards a more efficient, reliable and sustainable future.
