Alstom launches Atlas 400 and 500, the first scalable ERTMS solutions

Alstom launches Atlas 400 and 500 to offer scalable ERTMS for traffic density from 6 to 600 trains per day, whether on passenger, freight or mixed traffic lines. The solutions have been presented at InnoTrans, the biggest railway tradeshow in the world which takes place in Berlin from 23-26 September. They are applicable for a resignalling upgrade or a new-build project. The scalability or configurable deployment in accordance with customer needs is achieved with modular software applicable to the same onboard and trackside computer equipment.

Both Atlas 400 and 500 are based on Alstom’s proven Atlas 200 system and take into account customer feedback. 

Atlas 400 has been specifically designed for low density lines. With Atlas 400, train detection is performed by the trains themselves, which reduces the need for trackside equipment, providing investment savings from 12% to 16% and up to 30% on maintenance cost. It is designed to be operated with satellite positioning and various radio bearers.

Atlas 500 has been designed for high density lines and increases headway performance by up to 25% for customers. Trains can follow each other very closely thanks to the accurate braking curve. It also reduces the time for station stops. Atlas 500 combines ATO¹ and moving block functionalities without adding extra equipment – and so does not increase the cost of ownership. Furthermore, Atlas 500 uses GPRS which allows communication with more trains in dense traffic areas.

“Thanks to Alstom’s ERTMS range of solutions, trains will now be able to run easily between low density and high density zones. On low density lines, Atlas 400 will offer customers minimum operating and capital expenses while maintaining safety. On high density lines, Atlas 500 will provide cab signalling, train localisation and train protection through a single piece of radio equipment” says Pascal Cléré, Senior Vice President, Transport Information Solutions, Alstom Transport. 

Banedanmark – the national Danish operator- has already chosen these solutions for its network. Alstom and Banedanmark teams are jointly working in Copenhagen, in cooperation with Alstom site of Charleroi (Belgium) which has already delivered similar equipment in Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands.23 countries have already chosen Atlas solution and 4,600 trains are being equipped with the technology.

1. Automatic train operation