As people the world over look to live more cost-efficient and environmentally conscious lifestyles, infrastructure such as light rail is becoming more and more in demand. With that in mind, AB Storstockholms Lokaltrafik recently signed a deal with GE Transportation to install a new, state-of-the-art signaling system and safety facility for the Tvärbanan light rail system, which is set to undergo a major expansion in Stockholm, Sweden, and the surrounding suburbs.
Nearly 50,000 commuters already ride the Tvärbanan every day, and with Stockholm’s population expected to grow by 500,000 over the next 20 years, Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (Stockholm Public Transport, literally Greater Stockholm Local Transit Company) expects an expanded Tvärbanan will be able to meet increased demand for public transportation.
The new GE system will allow trains to run more frequently, which in turn cuts down overall travel time for rail customers -- all while providing increased safety.
“Our technology will benefit users by allowing more trams to run on the same line while reducing waiting time for rail users,” said Pierre Comte, President and CEO of GE Transportation’s Intelligent Control Systems business. “By providing the latest in signaling technology, we not only increase our footprint in Europe, but also help establish GE Transportation as a major player in the urban transit sector.”
GE signaling technology has already been instrumental in light rail extensions in cities including Baltimore, USA, Seattle, USA and Edmonton, Canada.
