Thales announced that it has been awarded a contract valued at €40 million by the consortium of Hyundai Rotem Company, DaeaTi Company and Daewoo Engineering Company to supply world-leading SelTrac Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology for fully driverless operation of this new metro line. The 27 station line will be ready for operation at the end of summer of 2014.

The 30.2 km Line 2 is part of the city’s long term plan to become an east Asian superhub offering fast and efficient transportation while alleviating traffic congestion. Thirty seven trains will operate in a driverless (Unattended Train Operation) mode at a 120 second headway and service an area from SelTrac CBTC, proven in use for over twenty-five years, was deemed to offer best value for passenger service frequency, bi-directional operation, and savings of land space as it requires short storage and overrun tracks allowing overall optimization of the system and stations. The CBTC solution will include moving-block technology, free-space radio for data communication between train and wayside equipment, supervision subsystems that will interface with passenger information and SCADA systems and the operation of platform screen door system.

Thales will design, develop, and supply the train control system and provide commissioning support to the consortium; lead by Hyundai Rotem, which is responsible for rolling stock, power supply, platform screen doors, local equipment procurement, testing, installation, and overall system integration.

“Following Bundang commuter line, Busan-Gimhae Light Rail line and Sin Bundang line, this is our forth contract in Korea. This success further leverages Thales’ expertise in serving the transportation industry and confirms Thales’ worldwide leading position in the supply of fully automated train control and communications solutions” said Jean-Pierre Forestier, Vice-President, Managing Director of Thales Rail Signalling activity.

Hyundai Rotem is Korea’s number one rail vehicle supplier and E&M system provider. Building on its growing base of technology, expertise and experience, Rotem has to date produced a total of about 35,300 vehicles and exported to more than 27 countries on five continents. With a strong presence in Asia, Rotem is also strengthening its foothold in American and European markets and is advancing into the ranks of global rolling stock suppliers. Also, Rotem as the leader of SOC (social overhead capital) project in Korea is now participating in to railway E&M turnkey projects.