Hitachi Rail announced it will partner with Invest Ontario to upgrade its world-leading Communication-based Train Control (CBTC) signaling technology in Toronto.
The company said it would invest more than $100 million Canadian to create cutting-edge urban rail signaling for rail operators globally. The new R&D program will integrate Artificial Intelligence and 5G technology in a new SelTrac solution. The company estimates the investment will create 100 new high-skilled jobs and grow its Canadian workforce to more than 1,200.
“The over $100 million investment in the next generation of our world-leading SelTracTM technology is hugely exciting – and we are grateful to the Government of Ontario and Invest Ontario for their support,” said Ziad Rizk, managing director of Urban Rail Signaling at Hitachi Rail. “By integrating AI, 5G, edge and cloud computing, our system will allow urban rail transportation operators around the globe to improve passenger journeys and operate more efficiently. This Ontario-invented technology is a Canadian success story that is creating jobs and boosting economic growth.”
The SelTrac system will provide transit operators with lower costs, minimized carbon footprints and enhanced passenger experience, the company said. The system uses wireless communication between trains and infrastructure to operate urban transit and subway systems more efficiently. It is the world’s first moving block CBTC signaling system with more than 100 lines currently operating in 40 major cities around the world.
“Hitachi Rail’s investment is a testament to Ontario’s strengths in future technologies that are transforming industries from manufacturing to transportation. We are excited to support the company in advancing a made-in-Ontario technology that keeps cities around the world on the move,” Jennifer Block, Interim CEO of Invest Ontario, said.