Hitachi Rail has announced a strategic partnership with Invest Ontario to spearhead a significant investment exceeding C$100 million (approximately US$70.8 million) aimed at enhancing its Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling technology. This initiative is set to foster innovative advancements in the company's SelTracTM technology, specifically the ninth-generation model, known as SelTracTM (G9). The deployment of AI integration, 5G communications, and edge and cloud computing is at the heart of this development, promising to offer transit operators globally reduced operational costs, a smaller carbon footprint, and an improved passenger experience.
Based in Toronto, Ontario, Hitachi Rail's York Mills office serves as the primary hub for engineering excellence, equipped with sophisticated laboratories, testing facilities, and simulation environments. The announced investment not only seeks to advance technology but also to create an estimated 100 new jobs, while ensuring the retention of 1,000 highly skilled positions including roles within research and development as well as engineering.
Ziad Rizk, the Managing Director for Urban Rail Signalling at Hitachi Rail, expressed excitement regarding the investment, acknowledging the crucial support from the Ontario government and Invest Ontario. He stated, "By integrating AI, 5G, edge and cloud computing, our system will allow urban rail transportation operators around the globe to improve passenger journeys and operate more efficiently." Rizk added that this advancement represents a Canadian success story by enhancing job creation and fostering economic development.
The CBTC technology being enhanced is a modern urban signalling system that utilises wireless communications to optimise the operation of urban transit and subway systems more effectively and safely than traditional methods. The SelTracTM technology, pioneered in Ontario, is currently functional in over 100 transit lines across 40 major cities globally, including on the O-Train in Ottawa.
Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli, highlighted the province’s emerging role as a leading technology hub in North America, particularly focusing on automation and transportation industries. Fedeli stated, “Through Invest Ontario, we are proud to support Hitachi Rail’s expansion in Toronto and thank them for choosing our province as the ideal place for their continued growth and success.”
Furthermore, Ontario's Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Sarkaria, underscored the significance of this investment in the context of broader regional developments, including the C$70 billion commitment by the Ontario government towards extensive transit system enhancements. He remarked that the involvement of Hitachi Rail will help equip more workers with essential skills for delivering critical infrastructure projects throughout Ontario.
In support of the initiative, the provincial government is providing C$4.5 million (US$3.2 million) from the Invest Ontario Fund to assist Hitachi Rail, contingent upon the conclusion of a definitive agreement.
With around 1,200 employees nationwide, Hitachi Rail's operational footprint in Canada is substantial, focusing on delivering and maintaining major public transport projects across key cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa. The Toronto office functions as the headquarters for their international urban transit signalling technology business and is pivotal in leading the provincial effort to enhance public transportation infrastructure.
The ongoing investments and advancements in technology by Hitachi Rail epitomise the collaborative effort between government and private entities to push the envelope on technological innovations in rail transit, with potential long-term impacts on business practices across various sectors.
Source: Noah Wire Services