Companies news
Alstom Delivers Traffic Management System for New Zealand into Operational Service
Alstom has delivered its advanced Iconis system, Onvia™ Vision, to KiwiRail, significantly enhancing the operation of New Zealand’s rail network.
Alstom, global leader in smart sustainable mobility solutions, have delivered on-time and to budget its Traffic Management System (TMS) providing the first step for the effective digitalisation of the operation of New Zealand’s railway network.
Alstom’s system is an integrated control and operational rail system which will be operated by KiwiRail out of two key control centres in Wellington and Auckland – eventually to manage the whole country. The system, which was activated on Sunday, April 13 on the Pilot Wairarapa line, will through several rollout phases, enable KiwiRail to access a range of real-time data on the operations of its rail network. The system delivers for KiwiRail an increase in network resilience and capacity and more reliable and early communication for passengers on train operations.
The new system features transformational improvements to signalling operations, network security, management and maintenance as well as provision of enhanced real time information for passengers. Additional benefits include the predicting of potential issues from network traffic to control staff with the system providing solutions to overcome these problems. It enables a high level of network automation and, ultimately, a more efficient, reliable and cost-effective railway network with existing manual operations replaced by fully integrated and digitised network improving business operations.
Pascal Dupond, Alstom Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, said:
“Our technology represents a new digital age for the New Zealand rail network with KiwiRail joining more than 30 countries across the world who are operating our gold standard proven technology. Our local partnership with KiwiRail has been an excellent collaboration. It is a textbook example of close partnership between Alstom as a technology provider working hand-in-glove with KiwiRail with a shared focus to deliver the best possible system for New Zealand rail passengers.”
The first phase deployment on the Wairarapa Line now allows for KiwiRail to extend the rollout to the next regions of the country, in a phased approach. Alstom will provide long term support, training and maintenance to KiwiRail for each phase of the deployment to ensure a successful transfer of technology.
Carl Mills, KiwiRail Project Director, shared:
"Alstom’s technology delivers future proofing of the New Zealand railway network to allow us to support network growth and increased passenger numbers while also delivering a transformation experience for our staff that operate the network and, ultimately, a better passenger and freight service experience. The partnership with Alstom has been a success because it is one that is based on mutual trust, transparency and shared desire to deliver in the best possible way for passengers.”
Source : Alstom