Start of commissioning for Alstom ERTMS technology on Madrid's suburban train network

Spanish railway operator Renfe has just started the commissioning of Alstoms Atlas level 2 ERTMS technology on its suburban network in Madrid. Alstom has equipped 112 Civia trains currently in use on Madrid railway network with this European standard based signalling solution. It will provide railway transport with greater train circulation safety and also allows for an increase in traffic and train frequency.

Installed until now exclusively on high speed networks and long distance lines, the ERTMS technology has been, for the first time, incorporated on suburban lines where traffic intensity is greater. 

After winning this contract in 2007, Alstom has been responsible for the design, execution and implementation of the entire project under the supervision of its technological centre based in Madrid, thus becoming a technological reference for the rest of the markets in Europe. 

The commissioning of this new platform is a source of pride for the entire company and for Alstom's team in Spain. More than 30 engineers have been working on this project, which has been developed in Spain and will be exported to the international markets, commented Antonio Moreno, CEO for Alstom Transport in Spain.

As well as being a complete and integrated signalling solution, Alstoms Atlas technology enables greater flexibility and adaptability to future technologies, provides higher availability of the fleet and facilitates its maintenance. With the implementation of Atlas, there will now be 200 trains using Alstom's ERTMS technology in Spain, Alstom becoming thus ERTMS leader of the national market. Alstoms installation of Atlas on Madrid suburban railway network represents a further step toward European rail market uniformity which will increase the lines operational capacity, maximise traffic safety and reduce travel time.

About Alstom Transport
A promoter of sustainable mobility, Alstom Transport develops and offers the most comprehensive range of systems, equipment and services in the rail sector. Alstom Transport manages all aspects of transport systems, including rolling stock, signalling and infrastructure, as well as offering its clients turnkey solutions. In 2010-2011, Alstom Transport´s sales totalled 5.6 billion. Alstom Transport is present in over 60 countries and employs 25,500 people.

About Atlas, Alstom Transports ERTMS solution
This new contract strengthens Alstom Transports position as the leader in the operational deployment of rail interoperability in Europe. Alstom holds a 63% market share in ERTMS Level 2-compatible onboard equipment contracts. Atlas has proven its worth on over 1,100 trains throughout more than 40 million km of commercial service. In Europe, over 8 out of 10 trains operating under ETCS Level 2 are using the Atlas solution. Alstom has carried out more than 30 ERTMS projects in nine European countries, including the Rome-Naples line in Italy, the first very high speed line equipped with an ERTMS Level 2 system; the Mattstetten-Rothrist line in Switzerland, used by the largest equipped fleet; and the Betuwe Route freight line in the Netherlands, which is part of Corridor C. Today, out of 1.200 trains delivered, over 900 trains furnished with Alstom ERTMS/ETCS on board solution are in service. Some 1,500 more will come into service in the next few years.

Press contacts 
Karen Brouiller (Alstom Transport) - Tel.             + 33 1 57 06 18 42        karen.brouiller@transport.alstom.com 
Irma Aguado (Alstom Spain) - Tel.             +34 91 334 56 81       - irma.aguado@crn.alstom.com

Websites     www.alstom.es        www.transport/alstom.com