Bombardier Demonstrates Top Of The Line Rail Control Technology

Mar 20, 2013– Berlin, Germany  (Techreleased) – Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation showcases advanced signalling and rolling stock solutions at the Rail-Tech trade exhibition from 19 to 21 March in Amersfoort, Netherlands. Visitors will be able to experience first-hand, how the latest rail control and signalling systems work, such as the innovative INTERFLO 550 ERTMS Regional solution, the latest EBI Switch point machine and EBI Track train detection systems, and Bombardier’s rail control application for stabling yards.

Bombardier Demonstrates Top Of The Line Rail Control Technology

Since the last Rail-Tech trade show two years ago, Bombardier has progressed successfully in the Netherlands market, where it has secured substantial rolling stock and several significant signalling contracts in the Benelux.

Bombardier’s signalling business growth in the Netherlands

Bombardier’s signalling contracts include: EBI Cab 2000 ETCS on board technology for a Sprinter Light Train upgrade for The Netherlands Railways (NS); a six-year frame agreement to provide stabling solutions to Pro Rail, starting at the Grote Binckhorst yard; EBI Switch point machines on the Hanzelijn line, and INTERFLO 550 ERTMS Regional proof of concept.

The Bombardier Amsterdam office houses a project team with strong capabilities in engineering, project management, installation, testing and commissioning (ITC) and services. High level engineers bring their expertise and experience to support the implementation of the current projects. Today, Bombardier’s signalling activities are a mix of trackside and onboard projects as well as product and after sales support. To ensure adherence to stringent regulations the centre is certified to the IRIS (International Railway standard), ISO90001 and VCA Railinfrastructur (Dutch national rail industry health & safety certification).

In light of further business growth and market potential, Bombardier is recruiting several service technicians and signalling engineers to consolidate the team.

Bombardier has won substantial rolling stock contracts in the Benelux Region

At Rail-Tech, Bombardier will highlight rolling stock products designed to accompany cities in their public transportation development. The Brussels Transport Authority STIB (Société des Transports Intercommunaux de Bruxelles) has ordered 220 FLEXITY trams from Bombardier and now has the largest single vehicle type tram fleet in the world. Last year, following this success, the Flemish transport operator De Lijn placed the largest order in its history for the supply of 48 FLEXITY 2 trams with an option for another 40 vehicles. These new trams will provide an efficient tram service for many years for the two largest Flemish cities in Belgium.

The FLEXITY 2 tram, which has been in successful revenue service in Blackpool (UK) since April 2012, is a light rail vehicle platform in the true spirit of Bombardier light rail vehicles. By using a mix of proven technology and further innovations the tram is an ideal fit for the future growth of cities. To reduce costs, Bombardier chose a platform approach while still giving its customers maximum choice when it comes to design and passenger focus.

Between 1998 and 2002, Bombardier Transportation delivered 82 metros and trams to the Rotterdam Transport Authority (RET) with a further 64 vehicles to Randstad Rail and RET between 2008 and 2012.

Over the years, Bombardier has proven itself to be a long term reliable partner to the Netherlands Railways and has supplied several generations of trains which have received widespread customer satisfaction. The latest generation of Sprinter trains has received good reviews as passengers appreciate the improved accessibility combined with a low floor throughout the whole train.

“As the global leader of rail technology, we develop products to assist our customers as they face the pressure of rapid growth of public transportation and passengers expectations for extra comfort and quality service. We focus our efforts on solutions which increase safety, capacity, speed and reliability, and provide operators with operational flexibility,” said Johan Van den Bussche, Chief Country Representative for Bombardier Transportation in the Netherlands. “Bombardier’s innovative and competitive trains, trams and signalling products are perfectly suited to the Netherlands, which is a key market for our rail company.”