Siemens Mobility signs framework agreement with Swiss BLS for ETCS Level 2 upgrade

Siemens Mobility and Swiss BLS Netz AG have agreed on a joint, long-term framework agreement worth €110 million. The contract includes modernization of the existing control and safety technology to meet the latest European Train Control System standard (ETCS Level 2). Siemens Mobility will supply state-of-the-art safety systems for cab signaling as well as train control technology. As a first step, the regional railway line between the Swiss city of Bern and Schwarzenburg will be equipped with this advanced technology. The awarded sum includes options for additional projects that are to be implemented in the next decade according to the BLS ERTMS implementation concept for cab signaling.

Daniel Pixley, Head of Automation at BLS Netz AG: "Siemens Mobility is the optimal supplier for us, with a convincing complete solution to set the standard in Switzerland for high-performance regional lines based on ETCS Level 2. The joint project is the foundation for further initiatives by BLS and the industry in Switzerland, following the ERTMS implementation concepts."

Marc Ludwig, CEO of Siemens Mobility Rail Infrastructure: "BLS Netz AG trusts in our expertise to equip its Bern-Schwarzenburg regional line with state-of-the-art ETCS Level 2 technology. We will be integrating and meeting the specific requirements of a line that runs through both urban and rural areas – from optimized closing times of level crossings to efficient traffic control. The long-term framework agreement also ensures planning security and enables the efficient implementation of future modernization."

BLS AG is modernizing its 17-kilometer line between Bern Fischermätteli and Schwarzenburg by upgrading from ETCS Level 1 to signal-less ETCS Level 2. This technology enables the direct transmission of all track information to a display in the driver's cab. The reference project aims to achieve a significant increase in capacity for regional rail operations. The challenge here lies in the line’s mix of urban and rural routing as well as its numerous level crossings. To keep level crossing closure times as short as possible and minimize disruption to road traffic, Siemens Mobility is implementing a new intelligent level crossing management system. The modernization provides several benefits: It reduces the number of required interlocking systems, simplifies system maintenance, and creates prerequisites for expansions. The first commissioning of the new system is planned for 2029.

The BLS Netz AG railway network covers 424 kilometers, making it the second-largest standard-gauge network in Switzerland after SBB's network. BLS Netz AG operates passenger as well as freight services. Founded in 1906, the company, originally named the 'Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon Railway', is considered a pioneer of Swiss rail transport. One of its milestones was the opening of the Lötschberg Base Tunnel in 2007, which at 34.6 kilometers is among the longest railway tunnels in the world. As Switzerland's second-largest railway company, BLS transports over 67 million passengers annually and plays a central role in public transport in the Bern region as well as on the freight transport corridor between the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.

www.siemens.com