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Press Release04 September 2024Siemens MobilityMunich
Siemens Mobility and Ruhrbahn digitalize Europe’s largest light rail interlocking system
Source: Ruhrbahn
“After
decades of wear and tear and the interim refurbishment of the relay technology
in three of our five interlockings, we are now undertaking the complete renewal
and digitalization of the train control and safety technology for tram and
light rail transport in Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr. Our aim is to make the
existing network more efficient and reliable. When the renewal project is
completed, there will be fewer disruptions and downtimes, making the use of
public transport even more attractive for our passengers,”
explains Michael
Feller, CEO of Ruhrbahn.
Guido
Rumpel, Head of Rail Infrastructure Germany at Siemens Mobility says: “Reaching the goal of climate-neutral mobility
will require a significant increase of passenger capacity in public rail
transport. Smart cities are tackling and solving this challenge with modern
technology. We are delighted that Ruhrbahn is converting its rail system to be
fit for the future and that we have been chosen to implement this project with
state-of-the-art control and safety technology by 2031. The digitalization of
Europe’s largest light rail interlocking in Essen marks a great technological
leap forward for rail operations. Once completed, passengers will benefit from
a more reliable and punctual rail system.”
Modernization of the five
interlockings with Europe’s currently largest relay interlocking for trams and
metros at Essen Central Station will be carried out in five project phases by
2031. During the project, passenger services will be restricted only for short
periods in individual sections of the system. The relay technology will be
completely replaced, and the system’s control and safety technology will be
converted to digital controls, making the infrastructure significantly more
efficient. The interlocking at Central Station alone currently sets points
around 5,000 times a day and switches signals to green 23,000 times. The
electronic interlocking solution Trackguard from Siemens Mobility is currently
installed at five interlocking locations.
One special
feature of this major project will be the integration of the metropolitan
region’s three and four rail systems. The challenge here is to use the
different track gauges in the system and enable seamless operations using state-of-the-art
technologies.
As part of the project, Siemens
Mobility will renew the approximately 28-kilometer-long train control section
with 39 stations. The signaling system will be equipped with LEDs, the track
vacancy detection system will be upgraded with an axle-counting system, and all
magnetic barriers that prevent trains from passing a stop signal will be
replaced.
Source: Ruhrbahn / Guido Rumpel, Head of Rail Infrastructure Germany at Siemens Mobility, and Michael Feller, CEO of Ruhrbahn, shown in one of the five relay interlockings to be modernized. Photo source: Ruhrbahn
Siemens Mobility is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio. Its core areas include rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, a comprehensive software portfolio, turnkey systems as well as related services. With digital products and solutions, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €10.5 billion and employed around 39,800 people worldwide. Further information is available at:
www.siemens.com/mobility
Mobility Service Provider for the Region As the largest public transport provider in the Ruhr area,
Ruhrbahn ensures the mobility of over 100 million passengers per year. With three subway lines, eleven tram lines, 54 bus lines, and 22-night express lines, Ruhrbahn offers customer-oriented, technologically advanced, and environmentally friendly public transportation. Around 2,500 employees from 27 different nations work here. The diversity of passengers is also reflected within the Ruhrbahn workforce and is an integral part of our corporate culture.
Ruhrbahn continuously enhances the quality of public transportation in Essen and Mülheim, creating incentives for unlimited mobility through forward-looking mobility concepts. An attractive, efficient, and environmentally friendly public transport system improves the quality of life for all of us and sets important impulses for the region. Our goal is to further develop Ruhrbahn into the leading mobility provider for the region.