GESTE modernises two lines of the Brussels metro
With this new contract, GESTE continues its collaboration with the Brussels Transport Authority, initiated in 2012 with the design study for this project.
"GESTE, in a temporary commercial association with SYSTRA and TRACTEBEL, is responsible for providing Project Management Assistance to the Brussels Metro Modernisation Programme during the deployment phase of the automated systems. With this contract, the Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company (STIB) renews its confidence in GESTE, which it has worked since 2012 when it carried out the initial design study for this project.
We are proud to participate in this major project, which will improve the mobility of the residents in the Belgian capital by increasing the capacity of its metro network and acquiring new trains. »
Michele Mossi, CEO GESTE Engineering
With a duration of six years, GESTE 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 elements. Moreover, GESTE is working on the creation of a new depot, located at the Erasme station, the western terminal of line 5 with the objective of having the infrastructure ready by mid-2018, when the new trains will be received.
Two strategic semi-automated lines to increase the metro's capacity
The Brussels Transport Company (STIB) has opted for 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 car 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 Dominique Joubert, Urban Transport Director of GESTE Engineering and expert on the STIB project, « the major constraint of this project is not to hinder the daily circulation of trains. The migration steps from the old signage system to the new one have been carefully studied. The test phases before installation on site will be reinforced and the work will take place at night. Finally, the interfaces of the modernisation programme with the STIB's many other projects are being brought under control in order to avoid risks of incompatibility with the commissioning. »
2017
