The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Board of Directors awarded Stadler a $500 million contract to equip its rail network with a new state-of-the-art train control system.
The Communication Based Train Control (CBCT) would replace the current system to improve train control, in turn improving rail safety and on-time performance, officials said.
“We’re excited to embark on this transformative project that will prepare us for the future,” MARTA General Manger and CEO Collie Greenwood said. “This investment will enhance the safety and reliability of our rail network and allow our trains to operate with the highest safety standards, while still being monitored and controlled by skilled MARTA operators. The system will allow us to increase capacity, improve on-time performance, and optimize efficiency. By doing so, we’ll improve the customer experience and position MARTA as one of the most advanced transportation systems in the country.”
Officials said CBCT is an advanced train control system using wireless communication to track trains more completely. Real-time information on train positioning helps rail companies save time and energy through precision tracking.
“This order is a significant milestone and represents an international market breakthrough for us in the CBTC sector,” Markus Bernsteiner, Group CEO Stadler Rail, said. “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.”
Officials said the Stadler system will work seamlessly with MARTA’s Stadler CQ400 rail cars scheduled to be introduced in 2025. The synergies between the on-board and trackside signaling will allow for a smooth introduction of the system and increase performance, officials said.