Hitachi Rail’s innovative signalling to enable 20,000 journeys per day as new Forrestfield-Airport Link opens

A new underground rail link in Perth, Australia, equipped with the latest in signalling technology from Hitachi Rail, opened to passengers today (10 October), delivering a step change in travel between the city, the airport, and the wider eastern area.

The new connection, Perth’s first rail line to the city’s airport, runs through underground parallel tunnels and features three stations, and is expected to support more than 20,000 passenger journeys in its first year.

Commissioned by the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA), Hitachi Rail designed, tested and installed the entire telecommunications and signalling infrastructure throughout the eight-kilometre tunnel. 

To reduce the headway Hitachi Rail installed its interlocking signalling technology, MicroLok®. The system uses signals between track and train to ensure safety on the track, checking that the track is free of other trains and communicating train speed. As a result, passengers will be able to catch a train every 12 minutes during peak hour. The line will also benefit from access for all Carrier Mobile Services and a new 4G train communications system.

The Forrestfield Airport Link will be transformative for passengers in the Perth area, with people living in the city’s suburbs now able to reach the city centre within 20 minutes. Local and international travellers, also stand to benefit, as the new service means it takes just 18 minutes to travel to and from the Perth airport directly to the CBD.

Roslyn Stuart, senior director Australia, said: “The Forrestfield Airport link tackles modern urbanisation issues head on. It opens up Perth’s growing eastern suburbs to rail for the first time – and is part of the WA Government’s effort to create thriving urban centres with safe, sustainable, affordable transport at their heart. Our signalling solution will support a seamless, fast and reliable service for passengers.”

Hitachi Rail Australia provided the signalling and telecommunications system for the new rail line under the Webuild–NRW Joint Venture, the project’s design, construction and maintenance contractor. The project is part of the first stage of METRONET: a multi-government program in Western Australia to create liveable communities connected by world-class public transport.

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