Frankfurt’s metro network to switch to digital control system
Siemens Mobility will work with Frankfurt transportation company VGF in refurbishing the city’s metro network with a Communication Based Train Control System (CBTC). The contract marks the first major rollout of a CBTC system in a German city.
Siemens’ Trainguard MT CBTC solution will replace the current conventional train control system in order to enable trains running at shortened intervals, possibly every 2 minutes. This should increase maximum line capacity by 25 percent in some cases, while at the same time reduce energy consumption.
The technology will enable the VGF “to significantly expand its capacity without having to convert or build new rail lines or stations”, said Frankfurt’s cabinet member for Transport Stefan Majer.
All nine metro lines will be converted to digital train control in the current decade, starting with lined U4 and U5 of the so-called B route. The first phase also includes the U5 extension to the Europaviertel. This phase is scheduled for completion in 2025.
The conversion to a CBTC system is supported by the state of Hesse, which awarded the VGF funding to the tune 95,5 million euro’s. The Federal Government is another co-financier. The Frankfurt metro network comprises 95 stations along 65 kilometers of track.
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