SYSTRA to modernise two of Brussels’ metro lines

“SYSTRA, in a temporary commercial association with GESTE and TRACTEBEL, has been awarded a consultancy assignment for the Brussels metro Modernization programme for the phase covering the roll-out of automated systems. With this contract, the Société des Transports Intercommunaux de Bruxelles (STIB) has once again shown its confidence in SYSTRA with which it has worked since 2014 when it carried out the initial design study for this project.

We are proud to be taking part in this automation of systems which will help improve the mobility of residents in the Belgian capital by increasing the capacity of its metro network by the beginning of the next decade. We will take great care to ensure that the works will not disrupt the journeys of Brussels’ inhabitants during the project.”
Frédéric Dufour, Head of Continental Europe

The six year mission of SYSTRA and its partners covers the detailed design through to commissioning. The supervision and testing of the signalling system and the new rolling stock, for which suppliers have already been chosen, will be key. Moreover, SYSTRA is working on the creation of a new depot, located at the Erasme station, the western terminal of line 5. The aim is for the infrastructure to be completed by mid-2018, when the new trains are delivered.

Two strategic semi-automated lines to increase the metro’s capacity

The STIB has decided to adopt computer-aided trains, using a CBTC system. The aim is to increase the frequency of trains and the capacity of Brussels’ metro lines while at the same time modernising and improving their security for passengers. With this automation, Brussels wishes to improve the attractiveness of its public transport in order to reduce pollution caused by automobile traffic, which is particularly heavy in the city centre.

Metro lines 1 and 5 were the first of the network of six lines to be commissioned in the 1970s and are strategic: they cross the capital from west to east and link the historic centre of Brussels with the European quarter. These are the busiest lines.

Optimal modernisation without interrupting service

For Frédéric Meseguer, Project manager and Head of the consultancy assignment: “The main constraint with this project is not to hinder the daily circulation of trains. Work will therefore be carried out at night and the necessary station closures and line closures (during the testing phase) will be kept to a strict minimum. The interface with the customer’s other projects is a high expectation.”