Alstom to modernise Lausanne metro line m2

Municipal public transport operator TL in the Swiss city of Lausanne and Alstom have signed a EUR 295M contract to modernise the city’s metro line m2 to permit more frequent trains by the installation of Communication-based Train Control (CBTC), combined with a mid-life upgrade of the fleet of rubber-tyres metro trains. The Urbanise Fluence CBTC system will permit the automated trains to operate at shorter intervals and increase the number of trains in passenger service at any one time. Reduced waiting times will help meet growing passenger demand. The m2 train fleet will be upgraded at Alstom’s Villeneuve factory in Switzerland with renewal of key on-board systems, a refresh of the interior passenger space and the exterior livery. 

Patricia Solioz Mathys, CEO of TL said, ‘As the only metro line in Switzerland, the m2 is a true success. The need to modernise the automation system and increase capacity is crucial for the entire transport network of the Lausanne metropolitan area. We are delighted to be able to rely on Alstom’s expertise to carry out this strategic operation’. Marie Icardo, Managing Director of Alstom Switzerland added, ‘By combining our next-generation CBTC system with onboard intelligence and a fully-integrated mid-life fleet upgrade, we are increasing capacity while extending performance of existing trains for many years to come. 

 

The work will be carefully phased to minimise disruption to daily service, with most installation and testing activities carried out during the short night-time window. The 5.9km line m2 n(4.1km underground) was opened in October 2008 linking Ouchy on Lake Geneva with the city centre and Epalinges, using 15 two-car trains each able to carry 222 (60 seated). It took over the alignment of the Ouchy–Flon rack railway that ran from 1877 until 2006. Thanks to the rubber-tyres trains line m2 can be run using just adhesion.