Thales bags CBTC Signalling contract for Vancouver Broadway Subway Project

SkyTrain Millennium Line

Vancouver, Canada (Urban Transport News): The Broadway Subway Constructors General Partnership (BSCGP) on 23rd September 2020 has awarded a contract to Thales to supply SelTrac™ Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling technology for the Vancouver Broadway Subway Project.

The Broadway Subway is an extension of the SkyTrain Millennium Line that is extending 5.7 km along the Broadway Corridor. This new line will significantly relieve traffic congestion and commute times for Vancouver residents, as the Broadway Corridor is one of the busiest bus routes in North America and the second-largest employment centre in British Columbia. This line is also equipped with the Thales SelTrac™ CBTC signalling solution.

The province of British Columbia had selected BSCGP to complete the design and construction of the line, which will be operated and maintained by British Columbia Rapid Transit (BCRT).

Dominique Gaiardo, Vice President and Managing Director for Thales’ Urban Rail Signalling business, said:

The Broadway Subway is a key project in the City of Vancouver’s Transportation 2040 strategic plan. This exciting project will improve the livability and access across the vital economic and employment hub of the Broadway Corridor. Thales will continue to build local expertise and provide strong support to the city and is proud to contribute to the mass transit capacity expansion in Vancouver with the innovative SelTrac™ CBTC system.

The Broadway Subway will extend the Millennium Line 5.7 km to the West, from VCC-Clark Station to a new station at Arbutus Street, with a fully integrated interchange where the existing Canada Line will intersect. From the Arbutus Station, the 99 B-Line bus service will connect passengers to the University of British Columbia.The new line will consist of 700 metres of elevated track and proceed underground for 5 km, with six stations below the Broadway Corridor. 

The Broadway Subway Project is expected to commence construction in the end of 2020, with a five-year project duration and a scheduled public opening in 2025.