Alstom chosen to provide Smartlock Interlocking and ETCS for Irish Rail’s Cork Area commuter rail

WEBWIRE

  • ETCS will be implemented along 62km of the rail network from Mallow to Cork, Cobh and Midleton
  • The new system will bring a reliable, higher frequency unified through-running suburban rail service for citizens within the Cork metropolitan area

Alstom, the global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has been awarded a groundbreaking contract by Irish Rail (Iarnrd ireann) to revolutionise rail travel and mobility on the Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) network. The project, set to enhance the rail service within the Cork metropolitan area, will feature Alstoms cutting-edge signalling technologies – Smartlock Computer-Based Interlocking (CBI) system and European Train Control System (ETCS).

The CACR project aims to modernise and upgrade 62km of the rail network, stretching from Mallow to Cork, Cobh, and Midleton, creating a seamless, high-frequency unified suburban rail service for the people of Cork.

Nick Crossfield, Alstom UK & Ireland Managing Director, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Irish Rail, stating, “We are excited to embark on this journey, bringing cutting-edge technology to the Cork Area Commuter Rail network.With Smartlock and ETCS, we are confident that this project will set new standards in safety, efficiency, and passenger experience, providing a strong foundation for sustainable mobility in the region.

Jim Meade, Iarnrd ireann Chief Executive said I commend our Cork Area Commuter Rail team in ensuring that all three elements of the CACR Programme are progressing so swiftly. New signalling, our new platform, and twin-tracking of Glounthaune to Midleton are set to transform the capacity of our Cork Commuter rail network, and position us well to move forward with other rail projects under the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, including the critical delivery of new stations.

Alstoms Smartlock Interlocking System: A Foundation for Safety and Efficiency

At the core of this transformative initiative is Alstoms Smartlock CBI system. This state-of-the-art technology will serve as the projects primary foundation, offering a safe, simplified, and maintenance-friendly solution. By directly interfacing with axle counters and trackside objects through SmartIO, the Smartlock system eliminates the need for intermediate relays, ensuring a robust, efficient, and streamlined operation.

ETCS: Ensuring Continuous Train Protection and Efficiency

In addition to Smartlock interlocking, the project will also feature the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 trackside technology. ETCS is a train protection system that guarantees enhanced safety, efficiency, and reliability throughout the Greater Cork area. The implementation of ETCS further strengthens the commitment to safety and ensures a smooth, secure, and eco-friendly rail network.

Revolutionising Passenger Journeys and Sustainable Transport Solutions

The combined power of Smartlock and ETCS will pave the way for a remarkable transformation of passenger journeys on key commuter routes within the Cork area and is able to be expanded across the entire rail network. Alstom remains committed to delivering sustainable transport solutions and contributing positively to Ireland, its people, and the communities served. Emphasising sustainability and the environment, the CACR project aligns with Alstoms vision for a cleaner and more sustainable tomorrow.

Further information

Alstom has also won a ten-year framework agreement with Irish Rail for up to 750 new Xtrapolis commuter rail cars for Irelands DART network, with firm orders for 37 five-car Xtrapolis trains including a 15-year support services contract. 31 of the ordered trains are battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs) while six are electric multiple units. The new trains will deliver more capacity and decarbonisation benefits to the local community of Greater Dublin.

DART+ is the transformative programme that will ensure train travel is at the heart of Irelands sustainable transport network. Funded under the National Development Plan by the National Transport Authority, DART+ is an investment that will double the capacity and treble the electrification of the Greater Dublin Area network, facilitating sustainable mobility and development to enhance quality of life in the capital and its surrounding counties.

A new infrastructure contract with Alstom will provide a state-of-the-art charging facility to be installed by the end of 2024 to enable the BEMU trains that will operate between Drogheda, Dublin City Centre and beyond, to operate.

Alstom is a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility solutions, providing innovative and eco-friendly transportation solutions to communities worldwide. With a deep commitment to delivering excellence, Alstom remains at the forefront of driving a more connected, efficient, and cleaner transportation future.

Alstom, Smartlock and Xtrapolis are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group.

Land of Verse Chosen for Newchip’s Intensive Global Pre-Seed Accelerator Program

Online school of healing arts education among top applicants selected for Newchip’s online accelerator

SAN FRANCISCOOct. 17, 2022PRLog — Land of Verse, an online school of healing arts education that empowers everyday lives with purpose, physical well-being, and spiritual connection, was accepted into Newchip’s renowned global accelerator program. Designed to provide all the skills and tools founders need to rapidly fund, build and scale their companies, past accelerator cohorts averaged more than 17.5 times the average funding amount. The equity-free, fully digital accelerator has helped over 1,500 founders from more than 50 countries and 250 cities raise over $450 million in funding with an estimated portfolio of over $9B.

“Newchip evaluates a diverse number of companies across all industries from around the world, selecting a small percentage to join our accelerator,” says Armando Vera Carvajal, Vice President of Product at Newchip. “This strict selection process makes us an ideal partner for investors looking for promising start-ups. Wellness business’ like Land of Verse can scale quickly with proper funding and guidance. We are excited for Land of Verse and believe they will do well at Newchip.”

Launched in January 2022, Land of Verse’s online learning community offers live online certifications in herbal medicine ranging from a Community Herbalist, a guide to deepen your own experience of wellbeing, to Clinical Herbalist, for those who seek to build a business as a future practitioner or maker. Born from the School of Traditional Healing Arts at The Scarlet Sage Herb Co. in San Francisco, Land of Verse is an online manifestation that grew from necessity during the pandemic and now the desire to reach more like-minded individuals. Today, more than 90 students are practicing under the guidance of Land of Verse’s renowned teachers and healers.

“Being accepted into the Newchip Accelerator, we are excited to learn and grow so that we may engage with enthusiastic investors who understand the positive impact of healing arts education,” says Land of Verse Founder and Chief Executive Officer Laura Ash. “Securing funding would allow Land of Verse to expand its products, education platform and certification offerings not only here in the United States but globally.”

About Land of Verse

Land of Verse ‘Verse’ is an online school of healing arts education designed to empower everyday lives with purpose, physical well-being, and spiritual connection. Available for students at any level with modern technology, Verse brings healing arts education directly to you with its subscription service of wellness. Its school of Herbal Medicine offers live certifications and on-demand professional documentary-style classes to uplift your desire for self-empowerment and connection. To learn more, visit https://landofverse.com/.

About Newchip

Newchip is an online, global startup accelerator led by a world-class team of entrepreneurs and investors. It was designed to provide founders with the tools needed to rapidly fund, build, and scale. Since its inception in 2019, the equity-free, remote accelerator has enabled over 1,500 startups from 50+ countries to raise over $450 million in funding with an estimated $9B portfolio. It has three distinct six-month accelerator programs based on company stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A. Its vast network of global investors, strategic partners, and mentors guide companies from team building and prototype development to securing high-profile VC investment, corporate partnerships, and everything in-between. To learn more, visit https://launch.newchip.com/.

Nokia chosen to modernize Union Wireless’ Radio Access Network

  • Nokia will deploy its 4G/5G radios across sites in Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and Idaho
  • Union Wireless selected Nokia as its partner for the “Rip and Replace” program

Nokia announced it has been selected by Union Wireless to swap out its existing RAN equipment with Nokia’s AirScale 4G/5G radio portfolio to modernize its network while supporting the Secure and Trusted Telecommunications Act. Union Wireless will deploy 4G service initially with a built-in path to 5G for its subscribers.

In addition to supplying radios, Nokia is providing all deployment and integration services including ground and tower work, installation, commissioning, and RF design and cluster optimization.

Eric Woody, Chief Technical and Operations Officer at Union Wireless, said: “When it came time to choose a vendor to swap out our existing RAN equipment, we undertook a competitive look at the industry. Out of the vendors that responded, only Nokia stepped up to provide the Equipment and the Services that we required – and Nokia was willing to back its statements to protect Union’s interests. Its ability to provide turnkey services and state-of-the-art radio equipment were also contributing factors in our decision to work with Nokia. Together, we look forward to bringing critical 4G and 5G services to our subscribers living and working in some of the most rural regions in the continental U.S.”

Charles Marsh, Senior VP of US Majors Accounts at Nokia, said: “Nokia is excited to be selected by Union Wireless as its trusted partner for its network migration. This is a complex undertaking as it will touch the majority of Union Wireless’s cellular network. By deploying field-proven equipment that is software-enabled to support 5G and O-RAN Alliance standards, we are greatly minimizing Union Wireless’s schedule risk. And, with our large team of U.S.-based design and deployment engineers, we will help Union meet all of its equipment and services needs as required by the Secure Networks Act. Once the migration is complete, Union Wireless will further enable the rural communities it serves to access the world through reliable and secure mobile connectivity. Nokia’s 4G and 5G solutions will deliver the performance to allow residents and businesses to thrive in the digital age.” 

Resources:

  • Webpage: Nokia Radio Access Networks
  • Webpage: Nokia AirScale Radio Portfolio
  • Webpage: Commitment to America
  • Webpage: Rural Development Opportunity Fund

About Nokia

At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a trusted partner for critical networks, we are committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. We create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

Adhering to the highest standards of integrity and security, we help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world.

About Union Wireless

Union Telephone Company d.b.a. Union Wireless’s priority is, and always has been, our customers; they are the reason we exist. Union Wireless strives to be the provider of choice for telecommunication services to all people in our service area. Union Wireless’s focus on customers and their perception of value is how we can become the major telecommunications provider in this area.

This focus is necessary since competition will allow the customer many new choices. By delivering the best value to the customer, Union Wireless will prosper. In order to do this, Union Telephone Company provides a full line of telecommunication services: Interstate Toll; Intrastate Toll; Plain Old Telephone Service; Cellular Telephone Service; Data Transport; Data Application Solutions; Equipment Sales; and, Equipment Rental. We must become a total solution provider so that we can meet the needs of our customers from a single source to a complete turnkey solution for all their telecommunication needs. Exceeding our customers’ expectations will allow us to prosper in the new competitive world.