Thales has been selected to supply 82 SelTrac vehicle on-board controllers (VOBCs) for 41 new trains as part of TransLink’s SkyTrain fleet expansion in Vancouver, Canada.
These trains will provide services on the Expo and Millennium Lines. The installation of this technology will enhance capacity and consistency for commuters.
The company stated that its VOBC technology is an appropriate solution for urban rail transportation systems such as TransLink’s SkyTrain network.
This technology has the ability to control propulsion, the direction of travel, door operations, and braking, as well as implement speed limits and report identified inaccuracies.
As a key component of Thales’ SelTrac communications-based train control (CBTC) system, the VOBC will permit the new locomotives to run securely and competently with the current fleet.
This CBTC system is already present on the Millennium and Expo lines.
Thales Canada president and CEO Mark Halinaty said: “Thales is proud to provide Vancouver residents with state-of-the-art technology that improves their journeys, getting them to their destinations safely and reliably. Thales is a strong and trusted partner of choice for the region and its transit system, and we are excited to support Vancouver’s recognition as a world-class transit innovator.”
The company stated that the newest version of the VOBC technology is in operation on transit networks worldwide, including in Chile, England, and Qatar.
