June 24, 2024
Ineo Wins New Contracts to Deploy a Groundbreaking Rail Signaling System in Three Additional French Cities
A groundbreaking rail signaling system called the “Computerized Geographic Switching Post ” (PMGI), developed by Ineo UTS, a division of Equans France, and supported by ADEME, continues to be rolled out across France. This automated tool, designed to address the growing density of public transit systems, opens up new possibilities for rail and urban transit operators, both in terms of passenger safety and the smooth flow and reliability of traffic. With this innovative, competitively priced solution, Equans is targeting the majority of the global market—namely, 95% of the lines due for renovation, where outdated systems will soon need to be replaced.
Toward the Simplification of Traffic Sign Systems
Public transportation, which is essential for reducing pollution and enhancing the appeal of regions, is currently experiencing a significant boom, marked by strong growth in ridership. To support this growth while maintaining a high level of reliability and safety, Equans has developed an innovative rail signaling system* that combines the advantages of existing digital and mechanical solutions. In fact, traditional electromechanical and computerized systems have various limitations: system centralization, which means increased vulnerability to outages and cyberattacks; cost; the need to lay kilometers of cable; and a lack of flexibility.
Equans’ innovative idea was to use the distributed architecture typical of electromechanical solutions—where monitoring is handled locally and independently for each relevant zone—and to replace the local electromechanical logic with a standard, generic, and modular digital component. More specifically, signaling is now handled by networked digital control units located along the tracks that can be controlled remotely. If modifications are made to an existing PMGI system—such as adding a switch or extending a line—a new unit can be easily installed on-site without the need to reconfigure the entire system. The end result: a single, generic hardware platform—100% French-made, quick and easy to install—for a scalable and agile solution that is competitively priced and adaptable to a wide range of track layouts for trains, subways, and trams! Designed both to equip new lines and to modernize existing transportation infrastructure, this signaling solution offers one final advantage: with improved performance, it allows for more frequent train service and thus the ability to transport more passengers.
The PMGI Adopted in Three New French Municipalities
This year, Ineo UTS won three new contracts to deploy the PMGI in France: in Lyon, Aubagne, and Montigny-Lès-Metz. The contract with Lyon calls for the supply and installation, by 2026, of all the signaling equipment needed to operate the T6 tram line, which is set to be extended northward. As part of this project, a SIL3** safety-critical PMGI will be deployed. Ineo is also responsible for carrying out the signaling work on the new tram line between Aubagne Station and La Bouilladisse. Launched last January, the project will last three years. One of its key features is the installation of an automatic train stop system (DAAT), both track-based and onboard, for the entire line and all trains.
Finally, the Montigny-lès-Metz rail maintenance facility, which has been idle since 2013, will resume operations to become a maintenance and storage center (SMR). Among the tasks to be carried out, Ineo UTS plans to electrify 9 kilometers of service tracks. As part of this project, four 150-meter sections of retractable overhead contact lines will be installed, and a SIL4-rated PMGI safety system will be deployed on the thirteen tracks at the technical center. The PMGI solution will be accompanied by a personnel protection system (SPP) for train maintenance work.
* As essential components of public transportation, signaling systems ensure the smooth flow of train traffic, regulate train speed and spacing, and control their path through the use of switches on the tracks. As such, they play a crucial role in safety—preventing any risk of collision or trains catching up to one another—but also in ensuring that passengers enjoy smooth, punctual, and as regular a service as necessary.
** As guardians of passenger safety, signaling systems are subject to very strict safety regulations—a failure probability of less than 1 in 1 billion. SIL, or Safety Integrity Level, is a measure of the expected performance of a safety function. It comprises four levels ranging from 1 to 4, with SIL 4 providing the highest level of safety.
All of these projects enable Ineo UTS to position itself as a major player in the field of technical centers. This is a strategic recognition, given that many sites will need to be renovated or built by 2032. The market is currently experiencing growing demand, driven by the gradual opening of the rail market to competition. The PMGI is a solution that works across all market offerings. Explains Paul Louis Vuldy, R&D Manager at Ineo UTS, a division of Equans France.
