The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has awarded Stadler Signaling North America a $500 million contract to equip its rapid transit network with Stadler’s NOVA Pro CBTC (communications-based train control) technology.
The contract, the largest to date for Stadler’s signaling sector, marks the first time that a U.S. rail transit agency has used a Stadler train control system with Stadler rolling stock. Under the terms of the contract, Stadler will replace the current system within eight years of receiving a notice to proceed.
“The resulting synergies between the on-board and trackside signaling components will allow for a smooth introduction of the system and increase operational performance while minimizing downtime,” Stadler said. The vehicles will be equipped at the Stadler plant in Salt Lake City, where the 56 new MARTA trainsets ordered in 2019 are being built. The trackside equipment will be installed, tested and commissioned directly on the MARTA network. As the on-board and trackside components come from Stadler the project “can be completed seamlessly,” the company noted.” During a transition phase, trains will be able to run with both the legacy and the new system. As soon as the trackside components have been installed across the board, the transition process to the new system will be smooth and without any interruption to operations.”
NOVA Pro as deployed on MARTA will be engineer-assisted ATO (automatic train operation). “Stadler’s CBTC technology is recognized worldwide as a proven and widely used solution for metro systems,” the company noted. “It is used in many cities and countries and meets international standards and requirements. Stadler’s solution is characterized by a sleek, modular design that is compatible with any wireless communication network, including 5G and WiFi. The system can be flexibly adapted to various GoA (grades of automation). As a result, it offers the flexibility needed to meet the growing demands of public transit providers.”
Stadler added that it is partnering with Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) in its signaling and rail vehicle projects “to promote inclusive economic growth. The company supports the local community by leading education initiatives, including a youth apprenticeship program that engages many Title I schools. Stadler also encourages community involvement through employee volunteer days and sponsorship of youth sports teams in underserved areas, fostering opportunities for physical activity and development. Stadler is looking forward to bringing this community focus to Atlanta, as the company commits to building a local workforce and engaging with education, government and DBE partners in the area.”
“This order is a significant milestone and represents an international market breakthrough for us in the CBTC sector,” said Markus Bernsteiner, Group CEO Stadler Rail. “MARTA and its passengers can look forward to a state-of-the-art train control system that will make Metro operations more punctual, safer and more efficient. We look forward to working with MARTA, thank them for the trust they have placed in us and for now relying on our train control solution in addition to their trains.”
“Stadler’s CBTC system provides MARTA with a robust, future-proof solution that meets the growing demand for a high-performing transit system in Atlanta,” said Lucy Andre, CEO of Stadler Signaling North America. “By moving forward with this historic project, MARTA and Stadler are bringing Atlanta to the forefront of modern transportation solutions and providing an enhanced travel experience for the region’s passengers.”
