Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation’s state-of-the-art Bombardier CITYFLO 650 communications-based train control (CBTC) technology has started operation on Bangkok’s new Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Purple Line.

An important part of the ongoing expansion of Bangkok’s mass transit rail connections, the new line will significantly boost connectivity and development while reducing traffic congestion across the Thai capital. The line was opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at a VIP launch event on 6 August.

Peter Cedervall, president, rail control solutions, Bombardier Transportation commented, "This latest project to provide safe, reliable and high capacity rail control for an estimated 200,000 passengers daily reflects the contribution Bombardier’s technologies can bring to a city. Our solutions across the rail sector create substantial benefits for our customers, passengers and the environment."

Extending rail links to many new areas, the 23km elevated line is also the first mass transit train link to extend to Nonthaburi, Thailand’s second most populated city, located in close proximity to Bangkok. The CITYFLO 650 CBTC system is providing a semi-automatic control solution for trains with a capacity of up to 880 passengers.

It also offers a minimum operational headway of 90s at speeds of up to 80km/hr. The CBTC solution for Bangkok was delivered in 32 months, meeting the tight deadlines for the newly constructed line.

This important new reference adds to Bombardier’s portfolio of moving block, radio-based CITYFLO CBTC solutions for high density systems in cities around the world, such as those delivered in Madrid, Shenzhen and Tianjin and soon to start operation in Delhi and Kuala Lumpur.