Thales to Provide Next-Generation Rail Traffic Management System to Norway
Norway has big ambitions for its railways. The Norwegian national rail administration Bane NOR is planning the procurement of a new signalling system based on the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) standard.
The goal is to renew most of the existing signalling systems on the railway network by 2034. The project includes signalling systems, onboard equipment and a national rail Traffic Management System (TMS).
The modernisation programme will increase the attractiveness of rail travel through improved passenger service as well as delivering environmental, social and economic benefits to Norwegian society today and tomorrow.
Next-Generation Rail Traffic Management System
Bane NOR´s ambition is to have the world’s best TMS system. Thales is providing a next-generation solution based on the ARAMIS traffic management system, which will leverage the full potential of the modernisation programme to improve train punctuality, passengers safety and comfort and facilitate the mobility of people, goods and ideas throughout the country. It will accommodate a growing and evolving network to contribute to Norway’s further economic development and digitalisation.
The digitalisation programme includes early deployment of a country-wide rail Traffic Management System (TMS) that will replace three existing systems. A state-of-the-art management system is crucial to help railways operators make the most of their infrastructure, deploy more trains on the existing network and deliver an efficient, high-capacity railway system to improve train punctuality, enhance passenger safety and comfort and facilitate the mobility of people and freight throughout the country.
Cyber-Secured, Cloud Ready Platform
This major project will be rolled out over the next 17 years, and includes support, maintenance and cyber-security services. Norway will rely on Thales’s next-generation Traffic Management System, based on ARAMIS, a mature and reliable solution that manages more than 50,000 trains a day in 17 countries, including Germany, Austria, Portugal, Denmark and the UK. Bane NOR will benefit from a proven and scalable TMS solution combined with a next-generation platform able to adapt to a growing and evolving network that can meet Norway’s needs for the next 25 years.
The next-generation solution has been substantially enhanced to provide a cyber-secured, cloud-ready platform with a fully adapted Human Machine Interface. The Thales TMS will have an interface with the existing systems during the migration period, ensuring a smooth transition to the new system.
Millar Crawford, Thales EVP for transportation systems, said:
“Thales is pleased to be chosen as the supplier of the key component in the digitalisation of the Norwegian railway. As a driving force of digitalisation, Thales is grateful to help Bane NOR fulfil their mission. This investment is a significant and important step towards a Norwegian railway revolution.”
ERTMS
The European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) aims at replacing the different national train control and command systems in Europe, to enable the creation of a seamless European railway system and increase the competitiveness of European railways. Norway has committed to the implementation of ERTMS on its national railway network and the deployment of a new signalling system by 2034. The renewal project is also driven by the need to replace older signalling equipment that is harder to maintain and less reliable.
Thales in Norway
With a history dating 100 years back, Thales in Norway is a trusted partner in developing and delivering world leading secure and robust communication systems for extreme challenges. Thales employs more than 220 employees in Norway and is a leading technology supplier for public transportation, defence and security markets in Norway and internationally.
