Network Rail has awarded a landmark contract for the installation of traffic management technology at two of the UK’s new Regional Operating Centres (ROCs) to Thales.
The £28.8 million contract covers the provision of Thales’ ARAMIS Traffic Management System at sites in Romford and Cardiff as part of Network Rail’s long-term strategy to replace more than 800 signal boxes around the country with 12 regional control centres.
The ARAMIS system was trialled extensively by Network Rail prior to today’s (May 29) announcement alongside technology developed by the two other framework holders Hitachi and Signalling Solutions.
Network Rail has said contracts for the national rollout of traffic management will be subject to future competitions and will involve all traffic management framework holders.
Robin Gisby, Network Rail’s managing director of network operations, said: “As the number of people and businesses relying on rail continues to grow, it is vital we have the technology to make the best use of Britain’s rail infrastructure.
“The traffic management which will be deployed on the network uses tried and tested technology used on railways around the world to help deliver a leaner, more efficient and reliable network.”
Thales’ solution is already is already in use in 11 other countries, including Germany, Austria and Portugal.
Victor Chavez, chief executive of Thales UK, said: “We share Network Rail’s vision of a world-class railway for the UK; one that is the envy of train operators across the globe.
“Our selection for this first phase of the TMS programme is a huge step in our relationship with Network Rail, and we are hugely excited to bring our global TMS expertise to the UK.”
