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Press Release10 September 2026Siemens MobilityMunich
A first for Germany: Siemens and Rostocker Straßenbahn AG start trial operations of Signaling X for urban transit
Together with
Rostocker Straßenbahn AG (RSAG), Siemens Mobility is setting new standards for
the future of rail signaling. As part of a pioneering pilot project, the
innovative Signaling X platform is being trialed for the first time in German
public transport. A software-defined interlocking based on our DS3 safety
platform and standard IT hardware has been implemented for the tunnel section
under Rostock Central Station, serving tram lines 2, 3, 5, and 6. The project
exemplifies the shift from proprietary hardware solutions to a software-based
system, enabling existing infrastructure to be modernized more easily,
flexibly, and efficiently. This approach forms the technological foundation for
the next generation of digital interlockings. Following successful tests at the
Singapore Rail Test Center last autumn, this project marks the next major
milestone: testing in a real-world operational environment.
“Today marks a milestone in the digitalization of rail transport. With Signaling X, we are opening a new chapter in rail signaling. For the first time, we are deploying our new generation of software-defined signaling technology in a real-world urban operational environment. This creates the foundation for faster innovation cycles, simpler system modernization, and even more efficient long-term operations. The pragmatic, professional, and forward-looking collaboration with Rostocker Straßenbahn AG was key to this success,” said
Marc Ludwig, CEO Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility.
“For mass transit operators, operational safety is the greatest challenge. In addition to the inherent risks of rail operations, the proximity to road traffic creates additional stress for both people and technology. We are therefore pleased to support any innovation that advances operational safety. It was a natural choice for us to work with our partner on the testing and implementation of this technology,” said
Dirk Glauner, Team Lead Railway Power Systems at Rostocker Straßenbahn AG.
Signaling X as the technological foundation for
next-generation rail signaling
Signaling X forms the technological basis for the digital
transformation of rail infrastructure at Siemens Mobility. The core of the
architecture lies in the consistent decoupling of software and hardware:
safety-critical interlocking logic is detached from the proprietary specialized
components previously required and is instead operated on high-performance
standard IT (Commercial Off-The-Shelf, or COTS).
This paradigm shift allows operators to modernize and scale
their infrastructure independently of specific hardware lifecycles. Maintenance
is simplified, and spare parts management becomes more efficient by leveraging
globally available IT standards. The technical foundation is the DS3
(Distributed Smart Safe System) safety platform, introduced in 2020. It creates
a highly available, redundant environment in which safety-critical applications
meet the highest requirements according to CENELEC SIL 4 on standard (COTS)
servers. The deployment in Rostock now demonstrates for the first time the
practical implementation of this future-oriented architecture in a complex
urban operational environment. This also includes ensuring the highest
cybersecurity standards for the operation of critical infrastructure.
For this press release
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, and the use of industrial AI, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make their infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience, and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €12.4 billion and employed around 43,400 people worldwide. Further information is available at:
www.siemens.com/mobility