Recherche

Thales UK today announces that it is providing Metronet's Neasden depot in North West London with its modular interlocking system, LockTrac 6172 PMI, to improve the depot's signalling control functionality. The project will provide London Underground's largest and most complex depot with capabilities to set and confirm routes, manage train moves within the depot and control and monitor signalling assets. Thales' LockTrac 6172 PMI solution is a layered system that supports Neasden in providing additional stabling facilities in an overcrowded depot without having an impact on ongoing rail activities.

The introduction of Thales' interlocking system also fully supports Network Rail's modular signalling initiative to improve its signalling requirements through an efficient installation and migration approach whilst maintaining the flexibility to support both urban and mainline rail applications.

Thales was awarded the contract following open competition due to the company's considerable experience of working within London's rail industry on projects such as the Jubilee and Northern Upgrade Project (JNUP), as well as its expertise in rail signalling solutions. As such, Thales was well positioned to supply best in class signalling solutions to cater for the increasingly demanding performance requirements of rail networks such as the London Underground.

Metronet Chief Programmes Officer Steve Mole says: "Thales consistently demonstrated a clear understanding of the complexities and importance of Neasden depot to London Underground throughout the tender exercise. With its proven technology and delivery methodology, Thales assures Metronet that it will meet the requirements of this highly complex project, delivering the necessary upgrades to the depot on time and to the highest quality standards."

Peter Batley, Managing Director of Thales UK's transport and security solutions business, adds: "This contract provides Metronet with real performance benefits and demonstrates Thales' ongoing commitment to public transport in London. The project builds on our current experience of working on other London Underground projects. As such, Thales is fully qualified to efficiently manage the implementation process throughout all of the different stages. We are also in a strong position to provide further signalling solutions for London's rail network in the future." 
 
Already being deployed on the RATP metro network in Paris (France), one of the largest and complex world wide network with London, the LockTrac 6172 PMI solution is currently being installed as an overlay to the existing Neasden Depot infrastructure of Metronet and is expected to become effective from late 2009.

- Ends -

Notes to editors
Thales has considerable international experience in all aspects of control and safety technology, network integration and corresponding services concerning technical operations and maintenance. The product portfolio includes, among others, the following solutions:

• AlTrac for interoperable train control also comprising ETCS solutions (European Train Control System);
• LockTrac for train routing, also including the leading electronic interlockings from Thales together with field equipment; and

Improving the quality of service and security in the transport sector
Thales provides solutions for three main transportation segments: rail signaling; integrated communication and supervision systems; and ticketing. Thales offers a comprehensive range of integrated, modular solutions for the safe transportation of people and goods covering all forms of transport: from bus, metro, tramway and regional train networks to mainline (high-speed) links and road transport.

About Thales and Thales UK
Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group, addressing defence, aerospace and security markets worldwide. Thales' leading-edge technology is supported by 22,000 R&D engineers who offer a capability unmatched in Europe to develop and deploy field-proven mission-critical information systems. To this end, the group's civil and military businesses develop in parallel and share a common base of technologies to serve a single objective: the security of people, property and nations. The group builds its growth on its unique multi-domestic strategy based on trusted partnerships with national customers and market players, while leveraging its global expertise to support local technology and industrial development. Thales employs 68,000 people in 50 countries with 2007 revenues in excess of £8.3 bn.

Thales UK employs 9,000 staff based at more than 50 locations. In 2007 Thales UK's revenues were over £1 bn.

Press contact:
Thales UK
Kathryn Bell
Tel: +44 1932 824832
Mob: +44 7813 903274
Email: kathryn.bell@thalesgroup.com