Spain
Europe’s largest high-speed rail network
Thales worked on the network study and design, and then supplied and integrated the required rail control solutions across 70% of the Spanish high-speed network. Rail control solutions include ETCS Levels 1 and 2, as well as GSM-R communications and interlockings.
ETCS technology increases the maximum permissible speed to 350kmh and reduces headways, so network capacity is enhanced. At the same time, service is improved and lifecycle costs are reduced. Thales maintains five of the high-speed lines, covering 1,300km of track.
ETCS for high capacity commuter connections
Increasing the frequency of trains was the answer to addressing high passenger volumes in Madrid. Thales deployed ETCS solutions on 80km that included the three most popular commuter lines, the existing Atocha main station, the newly-constructed Sol station, as well as a new tunnel. This was the first installation of ETCS on commuter lines. Speed was increased, as well as capacity, while costs efficiency was maintained and safety assured.