Siemens to provide signaling systems for Athens Metro extension

Siemens has been awarded an order to supply signaling systems for the nearly 16-km-long extension of metro Lines 2 and 3 in the Greek capital by operator Attiko Metro S.A. The scope of supply includes the electronic interlockings and outdoor equipment, as well as the trackside components for automatic train control system. Furthermore, 17 trains will be fitted with Siemens onboard units. The order is worth a total of around 41 million euros and calls for first phase to be commissioned in autumn 2013.

Following the Siemens contract to equip metro lines 2 and 3 with signaling systems in 2002, the new project consists of two separate extension stages. The first stage will see Lines 2 and 3 equipped with signaling systems after being extended by a total of 8.5 kilometers and seven stations. The second phase will involve the installation of signaling systems on a 7.5-km extension of Line 3 up to the port of Piraeus, encompassing a total of six new stations. These extensions will provide urban developments with a metro link to the city center and are expected to significantly improve the traffic situation in Athens. Operator Attiko Metro expects a daily passenger volume of around 160,000 on completion of the first stage alone – the equivalent of roughly 30,000 fewer cars on the capital’s roads and a reduction of 130 metric tons in CO2 emissions.

The signaling extension contract includes the delivery, installation and commission of Sicas electronic interlockings, LZB 705M automatic train control systems and a Vicos 111 operations control system as well as a complete facility for future staff training.

The LZB 705M ATC (Automatic Train Control) system is a high performance ATP (Automatic Train Protection) and ATO (Automatic Train Operation) system, which optimizes punctuality and train headways. It also frees drivers from routine tasks, meaning that they can concentrate more on ensuring passenger safety.