MTA awards contract to Crosstown Partners to improve subway communications systems
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) awarded Crosstown Partners, a consortium between Thales and TC Electric (TCE) a contract to supply modern SelTrac™, Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling and associated upgrades to the signal system, tracks, and supporting systems such as communications.
Thales will supply the SelTrac CBTC technology and maintain the system for 25 years, and TC Electric will upgrade the stations, wayside and track.
The Crosstown Line connects Brooklyn and Queens across 21 stations and 10 miles, carrying thousands of riders daily, pre-pandemic. The line will undergo a major technology upgrade with Thales’ SelTrac CBTC technology being equipped on the line, the most advanced signaling for urban rail projects and will replace the current ageing legacy system. SelTrac™ will deliver an improved performance with a more reliable system resulting in better punctuality and an overall improved journey for passengers.
Both Thales and TC Electric have strong partnerships with the (MTA) and New York City Transit (NYC Transit). Thales has designed and deployed a number of projects across New York City, including Queens Boulevard West Line, Flushing Line, JFK Airport Line, R211 Train Control for the future Division B fleet and Culver Test Track. TC Electric has a long history of high-profile and complex projects for the MTA totaling over $1 billion. TC Electric’s Design-Build experience includes the MTA C&D Design-Build Services for Accessibility Upgrades - Package 2, Rutgers Tunnel Rehabilitation, 8th Ave. Component Repair and MNR Replacement of Electrical Infrastructure.
The Crosstown Line project will take just under five years to complete. Once delivered, passengers will enjoy the benefits of the SelTrac CBTC system providing the highest levels of performance and complying with the stringent standards for maximum safety and efficiency. With Thales being awarded the maintenance contract, ongoing maintenance and support will be provided, ensuring a highly reliable CBTC system for MTA and NYC Transit for years to come.
“New York’s subway network is one of the oldest and most complex in the world, and we are proud to be part of the modernization alongside our partner TC Electric. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with MTA and deliver our cutting edge SelTrac technology for improved journey’s and a deployment providing minimum disruptions for New Yorkers,” said Alcino DE SOUSA, vice president and managing director, urban rail signaling, Thales.
“TC Electric is extremely excited for the opportunity to execute this contract for the MTA and the riding public of New York City. This project provides a necessary upgrade for a vitial subway line across nearly two dozen of stations. Partnering with Thales and the MTA, we see this as an opportunity to reshape how signal contracts are delivered,” said Chris Dawson, president, TC Electric.
