Siemens Mobility to Overhaul Europe’s Largest Light Rail System in €180 Million Digital Upgrade

Siemens Mobility to Overhaul Europe’s Largest Light Rail System in €180 Million Digital Upgrade

(IN BRIEF) Siemens Mobility has been awarded a €180 million contract by Ruhrbahn GmbH to modernize Europe’s largest light rail interlocking system in Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr. By 2031, the project will replace outdated relay interlockings with advanced electronic systems, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the network. The upgrade includes the installation of Siemens Mobility’s Trackguard electronic interlocking system and will integrate various rail systems in the region. The modernization aims to reduce system disruptions and improve public transportation, with minimal service restrictions anticipated during the five-phase project.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 5-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Siemens Mobility is set to spearhead a transformative project to modernize Europe’s largest light rail interlocking system, following a significant contract with Ruhrbahn GmbH. This ambitious initiative, valued at approximately €180 million, aims to replace outdated relay interlockings in Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr with advanced electronic systems by 2031.

The upgrade will overhaul the control and safety technology originally installed in the 1970s, making the network more efficient and reliable. This modernization will reduce system disruptions and enhance the overall public transportation experience in the region.

Michael Feller, CEO of Ruhrbahn, emphasized the project’s importance: “This comprehensive renewal and digitalization of our interlocking systems will significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of our tram and light rail services. The investment will help minimize disruptions and enhance the attractiveness of public transport for our passengers.”

Guido Rumpel, Head of Rail Infrastructure Germany at Siemens Mobility, highlighted the technological advancements involved: “This project represents a major step towards climate-neutral mobility and smart city infrastructure. By updating Ruhrbahn’s rail system with cutting-edge technology, we’re setting new standards for rail operations. The upgraded interlocking system will ensure more reliable and punctual services for passengers.”

The modernization effort will unfold in five phases over the coming years, including the complete replacement of existing relay technology with Siemens Mobility’s Trackguard electronic interlocking system. This project will also integrate various rail systems in the metropolitan region, manage different track gauges, and enhance the signaling infrastructure with LED systems and advanced track vacancy detection.

The renovation, which encompasses a 28-kilometer stretch with 39 stations, will involve periodic service restrictions to facilitate the upgrades. Once completed, the project will greatly improve the operational efficiency and safety of the light rail network.

Siemens Mobility is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio. Its core areas include rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, a comprehensive software portfolio, turnkey systems as well as related services. With digital products and solutions, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €10.5 billion and employed around 39,800 people worldwide. Further information is available at: www.siemens.com/mobility 

Mobility Service Provider for the Region As the largest public transport provider in the Ruhr area, Ruhrbahn ensures the mobility of over 100 million passengers per year. With three subway lines, eleven tram lines, 54 bus lines, and 22-night express lines, Ruhrbahn offers customer-oriented, technologically advanced, and environmentally friendly public transportation. Around 2,500 employees from 27 different nations work here. The diversity of passengers is also reflected within the Ruhrbahn workforce and is an integral part of our corporate culture.

Ruhrbahn continuously enhances the quality of public transportation in Essen and Mülheim, creating incentives for unlimited mobility through forward-looking mobility concepts. An attractive, efficient, and environmentally friendly public transport system improves the quality of life for all of us and sets important impulses for the region. Our goal is to further develop Ruhrbahn into the leading mobility provider for the region.

Media Contact:

Moritz Krause
Siemens Mobility
+49 162 3480575
moritz.krause@siemens.com

SOURCE: Siemens AG