Siemens Mobility implements CBTC solution to boost capacity of Oslo Metro

Siemens Mobility, in collaboration with Oslo's public transport operator Sporveien, has launched a new Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system on a 3-kilometre stretch of the Oslo Metro in Norway. This deployment forms part of a larger 270 million project awarded to Siemens Mobility in 2021.

Under the agreement, Siemens Mobility is tasked with replacing the metro networks outdated signalling across its entire 86-kilometre span and integrating the new Fornebubanen line. The system, called Trainguard MT, functions at Grade of Automation Level 2 (GoA2) and raises the lines capacity from 28 to 36 trains per hour, representing an approximate 30% increase.

The upgrade encompasses the full Oslo Metro network and connects the 8-kilometre Fornebubanen extension, which includes six new stations. Siemens Mobility will also provide 25 years of digital maintenance and asset management through its Railigent X platform. Sporveien stated that these enhancements support Oslo's ambition to become an emission-free city.

The CBTC system is technically capable of handling up to 40 trains per hour if fully utilized, which would increase overall line capacity by more than 40% compared to the previous 28 trains per hour. A key innovation in this upgrade is the use of public LTE mobile networks for critical train control communications, making Oslo the first European metro system to adopt this technology.

Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, commented: Our collaboration with Sporveien dates back nearly 130 years to the Holmenkollen Line. Today, we are proud to introduce Norways first CBTC system, ushering Oslos metro into a modern era. This milestone will boost capacity by approximately 30%, allowing more frequent departures and supporting sustainable travel for passengers.

Additionally, Bane NOR, responsible for Norways national rail infrastructure, is leading a 2 billion project to centralize control and monitoring of 4,200 kilometres of mainline tracks and over 350 stations. Siemens Mobility is contributing automated signalling systems to this initiative, including upgrades to the European Train Control System Level 2 technology.

Author: Lucas Grant