Hitachi Rail is utilising 5G digital signalling technology in urban rail to reduce lifecycle costs, enhance data-driven insights, and future-proof rail networks. By replacing outdated radio technologies with 5G for essential train-to-ground communications, Hitachi Rail is set to deploy this innovation on New York’s Crosstown Line and Hong Kong’s International Airport Automatic People Mover.
SelTrac CBTC, an advanced digital signalling solution, uses train-to-ground communication to support traffic management across metro and light rail systems, as well as in resignalling projects on existing networks. CBTC provides higher capacity, improved safety, and greater reliability compared to traditional signalling systems. While CBTC has driven rail performance improvements globally, it has historically relied on legacy communication technologies such as radio and Wi-Fi. Hitachi Rail’s 5G solution overcomes these limitations by using either public or private networks, significantly reducing trackside infrastructure, as fewer 5G Radio Access Points are required compared to Wi-Fi.
The advantages of 5G are considerable, including reliable connectivity even in challenging environments like tunnels. The increased bandwidth of 5G also supports advanced digital asset management solutions, such as those developed by Hitachi Rail, which enable real-time reporting of train data to optimise both operational and maintenance activities for trains and tracks.
The introduction of 5G allows operators to leverage expanded network capacity to deliver additional services without requiring new radio infrastructure, ensuring compatibility with future technologies like 6G. This backward compatibility is a crucial feature, given the typical 30-year lifespan of radio access infrastructure.
Hitachi Rail’s SelTrac CBTC, integrated with 5G communication, will soon be deployed in two of the world’s busiest metro systems. In New York, Hitachi Rail is implementing a private 5G network for the Crosstown Line, which transports 70,000 passengers daily. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, a 5G overlay is being introduced to an existing SelTrac system within the International Airport’s Automatic People Mover. These projects are among the first to incorporate 5G technology for mission-critical signalling applications.
“Our first-of-its-kind 5G solution is a game changer for the urban rail market. The new 5G system plays a critical role in delivering reliable and high-capacity CBTC operations to metro operators. We offer different deployment options that best suit the customers’ needs, as seen with our two references. We are proud to deliver this transformative technology to our customers and the benefits it will deliver to passengers,” said Ziad Rizk, Managing Director of Urban Rail Signalling at Hitachi Rail.
On 31st May 2024, Hitachi Rail finalised its acquisition of Thales’ Ground Transportation Systems (GTS) business, expanding its workforce to 24,000 across 51 countries. This acquisition has bolstered Hitachi Rail’s urban rail signalling expertise. From 24-27 September, Hitachi Rail will showcase its urban rail products, including its 5G solution, at the InnoTrans global rail exhibition in Berlin.
There’s plenty of other editorial on our sister site, Electronic Specifier! Or you can always join in the conversation by commenting below or visiting our LinkedIn page.
