Wabtec has confirmed it has secured an agreement, worth $120m (approx £96m), to introduce signalling and train control systems for Virgin Trains USA.
The project is a unique application for the North America market.
“This is a great opportunity to work on one of the most unique rail projects in the United States,” said Rajendra Jadhav, President of Wabtec's Signaling, Communication and Wayside business. “Virgin Trains USA is the only privately owned and operated intercity passenger rail service in the country. Our PTC solution provides a robust path for Virgin Trains to meet its project schedule and goals.”
Under a number of contracts, the PTC introduction will be completed in two phases. In the first phase, Wabtec will install its Interoperable Electronic Train Management System(I-ETMS) PTC safety overlay on Virgin Trains USA's 67-mile route between Miami and West Palm Beach in Florida. This includes a back-office system and fitment for both freight and commuter locomotives.
Phase two includes the installed of the IETMS on the West Palm Beach to Orlando route. Wabtec will complete the design work, material integration, construction, system integration, project management and train control implementation.
In total, Wabtec will implement the IETMS system on 90 locomotives.
“Safety is our number one priority and PTC is a critical part of that mission,” said Michael Cegelis, Executive Vice President, Rail Infrastructure, Virgin Trains. “Wabtec's PTC technology has an impressive track record in the rail industry, and this was the right solution to support the safe operation of our growing rail network. In addition, the simplicity of accommodating new and modified infrastructure to the system, and train operational efficiencies were features that were influential in selecting the I-ETMS technology.”
Where Next?
RailAdvent Plus
Get image downloads, Prints and Streaming Video
News Homepage
For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
Framed Prints, DVD's / Blu-Ray's and more
LocoStop Community
Come and share your railway pictures
Mainline Steam Info
Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
Wabtec
Visit their website
Perhaps Donald Trump should pay the rest and to team up with Richard Branson so that Virgin Trains can expand from Florida to New York City and Washington DC. And to build a new high speed rail link to from East Coast of USA to Detroit, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and California.
At least Richard Branson is happy that he is to bring Virgin Trains to the USA and to invest money in building a brand new HS Line from New York and Washington DC to San Francisco and Los Angeles. With new tunnels to be built to avoid the tornado alley.