SYTRAL awards automatic operation contract for Lyon metro

Credit: Alstom

French public transport authority SYTRAL has signed a contract with Alstom for the supply of new automatic operation systems to lines B and D of the Lyon metro.

Credit: Alstom

A €91 million contract has been awarded to Alstom to supply automatic operation systems to lines B and D of the Lyon metro. The agreement forms part of SYTRAL’s “Avenir Metro” (Future Metro) programme which aims to increase capacity on lines A, B and D of the metro in order to cope with an expected 30 percent ridership increase in the coming years. Alstom believes it can aid capacity issues with its Urbalis 400 radio communication based train control (CBTC) solution which will reduce time between trains.

Automatic operation of Lyon metro line B expected end of 2019

“We are honoured by the SYTRAL’s renewed confidence in our products and in the expertise of our teams. The passengers will benefit from a faster and safer service. The new-generation metro of Lyon will be a real international showcase for Alstom,” said Jean-Baptiste Eyméoud, President of Alstom France.

The automatic operation of line B is planned for the end of 2019 followed by line D which is scheduled to switch over to the new system in mid-2023.

Two Alstom sites in France will be responsible for the design, manufacture and installation of the new automation systems for the Lyon metro: Villeurbanne for the supply of electronic products and equipment, as well as deployment and operational maintenance and Saint-Ouen for the Urbalis signalling system.