Mobility provider Alstom is implementing the GreenSpeed connected driver advisory system from Thales-subsidiary Cubris on Transport for London’s Elizabeth Line rail service.

GreenSpeedis a real-time driver advisory system supporting relevant rail standards and protocols.

The Elizabeth Line is a hybrid urban-suburban rail service in London, running from Reading and Heathrow Airport in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. With up to 24 trains an hour across central London at peak times, the line serves 41 stations and has around 4.3 million journeys per week across the UK capital and its suburbs.

Danish company Cubris was acquired by Thales in 2018.

By integrating the technology with existing operational systems, this upgrade will offer real-time speed advice to train drivers on the Elizabeth Line. This advice, calculated onboard from trackside data, helps in adhering to the timetable in the most energy-efficient manner and reduces wear and tear on the trains.

Implemented in collaboration with Transport for London (TfL) and the route’s operator MTR Elizabeth Line (MTREL), the upgrade is being installed this year across the fleet of 70 specially designed Class 345 Aventra trains, which were built by Alstom in Derby, UK.

“We are pleased to welcome Elizabeth Line to the increasing portfolio of GreenSpeed customers,” said Cubris (www.cubris.dk) managing director Claus Vendelsø-Nielsen. “This underlines Cubris’ commitment to the green agenda by providing energy efficient driving advice and thereby optimising energy consumption and contributing to the overall customer experience. The UK is a key market for Cubris, and we are looking forward to providing our services for many years to come.”

Alstom’s (www.alstom.com) signalling project manager Ben Scott added: “We look forward to delivering this upgrade to TfL and expect that it will enhance what is already an efficient mode of travel. Alongside improved service resilience, GreenSpeed also helps us make energy savings, by advising drivers when best to accelerate, cruise and coast between stations to save on traction power. Every journey matters, and this work is part of our joint commitment to sustainability.”

Thales (www.thalesgroup.com) invests close to €4bn a year in research and development, particularly in areas such as quantum technologies, edge computing, 6G and cyber security. Thales has 77,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2022, the group generated sales of €17.6bn.