New signalling system to make Brussels metro network more efficient and safe
Brussels public transport company STIB will replace the existing signalling system in the metro tunnels on lines 1 and 5 in August. The timetable of metro line 1 will be adapted during this period.
The current signalling system, which has been in service since the 1970s, will be replaced by the Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) system. This uses real-time data to determine the precise distance between metro trains, allowing the frequency on the network to be scaled up without compromising safety. The replacement is part of a wider plan to modernise and adapt the Brussels metro network.
As a result of the more precise data, metro frequency could eventually be increased to 2 minutes, instead of the current 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
“The system can better adapt to real-life conditions. In case of an incident or delay, dispatching knows exactly where the vehicles are,” says STIB. “Moreover, the fact that the trains can be tracked very accurately allows for better distribution, thus improving passenger services.”
In addition, CBTC will provide a system for communication with passengers and will make it possible to run metros automatically.
STIB started modernising the signalling system in 2017. The installation of the new system will take place from 5 to 22 August. As a result, there will be a temporary service adjustment during that period. Between the Joséphine-Charlotte and Stockel stops, line 1 will be interrupted from 21.00 on weekdays. Replacement buses will be provided. There will be normal service on Fridays and weekends.
Brussels Central metro station © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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