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Thales' advanced ETCS solution will allow CFS to manage efficiently the first Mexico commuter line rehabilitated since decades for passenger service that serves the needs of the 4.8 million inhabitants while ensuring the highest level of safety. Thales has provided rail signalling turnkey and with electronic interlocking, ETCS L1, CTC and track side signalling equipment as well as ETCS on-board equipment. Preventive and corrective signalling and telecom maintenance services for a 30 years concession period are also to be provided by Thales. The system provides continuous speed supervision for a three-minute design headway for the line which stretches 27-kilometres across five municipalities.
Thales also provided a full integrated communication solution which includes: TETRA network, private telephone network, information passenger system and clock system.

Fernando Barrera, Integration Centre Director of Thales Mexico, commented: "This commissioning signifies a milestone in Thales' history. It represents our first rail signalling contract in Mexico and demonstrates our ability to pioneer state-of-the-art technology in new markets.
Jesus Sanchez, general manager Rail Signalling Solutions, Thales Spain, stated: The project is particularly significant as it represents the first worldwide commercial application of an ETCS system on a commuter line and the introduction of European rail signalling standards into the American market. We are now well-positioned to deliver on similar opportunities in other countries across Central and South America."

Luis Giralt, CAF's Commercial Director for Latin America, commented: "Thales was a good choice for the project due to its competitiveness, strong technical capabilities, its understanding of the systems and local presence in the country. Thales has demonstrated its ability to deliver complex, multi-discipline and safety critical projects of this kind. The signalling and telecommunications infrastructure that is put in place now in the Suburban Train of Mexico City will mean a significant milestone in the development of the railway transportation in Mexico".

The majority of the line has entered into commercial operation. This successful commissioning comforts Thales worldwide leadership on the signalling business and especially on the ETCS market.

About Thales
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 of €12.3 billion.

Press contacts
Thales, Security Solutions & Services
Victoire Le Barazer
Tel. +33 1 73 32 13 20
victoire.lebarazer@thalesgroup.com

Thales, Corporate Communications
Christophe Robin
Tel. +33 1 57 77 86 26
christophe.robin@thalesgroup.com