Frankfurt’s public transport provider, VGF, has contracted Siemens Mobility to install a new, state-of-the-art digital train control (DTC) system throughout its metro and tram network.
The announcement comes after the state of Hessen’s minister for Economic Affairs, Energy, Transport, and Housing granted €95.5m (c.£79.8m) for the project.
Once complete, Frankfurt will become the first German city to implement a communication-based train control system (CBTC).
The technology will wirelessly and digitally link metros and trams with one another in real time, allowing trains to operate at shorter intervals and enable VGF to expand capacity without the need to convert of build new lines or stations.
Stefan Majer, Frankfurt’s Cabinet Member for Transport, commented: “The digitalisation of the train control system with the “DTC” is a project that will not only have outstanding importance for Frankfurt’s public transport network in the coming years but will also make the city and the VGF leaders nationwide.”
Michael Rüffer, VGF CEO, said: “We’ll be converting the train control system for our entire metro network to DTC, followed by the tram network. To achieve this, we need a powerful and competent partner – which we’ve found in Siemens Mobility.
“We’re especially pleased to be continuing a partnership with Siemens that was already a successful model back in 1899, when Frankfurt put 181 classic Siemens trams into service.”
Andre Rodenbeck, CEO Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, added: “We are proud that we can use this innovative technology for the first time in Germany at the VGF.
“Our technology combines maximum availability, maximum line capacity, shortened intervals, and up to 20% less energy consumption with the highest possible level of safety.
“In the future, metro trains in the Frankfurt network will be able to run every two minutes.”
Siemens and VGF plan to convert all nine lines of Frankfurt’s metro system to digital train control (DTC) by 2031.
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