Procurement for METRONET High Capacity Signalling project begins

Procurement for the Public Transport Authority's High Capacity Signalling project has begun, with Expressions of Interest opening today.

Funded by both the Commonwealth and State, the High Capacity Signalling (HCS) project will replace the rail network's ageing signalling and control systems - which are nearing the end of their asset lives - with a more modern integrated Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system.

The CBTC system will continuously send real-time train data to the PTA control centre, which will use the data to monitor the speed and location of every train. 

This will allow for a more efficient use of the existing rail network and is a vital component in future-proofing the network, allowing trains to safely run more frequently.

The contract for a new state-of-the-art public transport operation centre, which will be built to house the control centre and systems, was recently awarded to ADCO Construction Pty Ltd.

The HCS project will be delivered in stages to minimise disruption to operations, with the rollout expected to be carried out over 10 years.

The project will be delivered hand-in-hand with the PTA's Radio Systems Replacement, which will upgrade Transperth's rail radio systems, replacing the existing analogue technology with the high-tech 4G digital communications platform necessary for the upgraded systems.

Suitable EOI applications will be taken through to the Request for Proposal stage where two proponents will be chosen to create a more detailed submission.

The contract to design, supply, build and maintain the HCS project is expected to be awarded mid-2023.

 Transport Minister's office - 6552 5500