Hitachi Rail is investing CAD 100 million in developing its next generation of its communications-based train control (CBTC) signalling system.
As part of this investment, Invest Ontario is supporting Hitachi Rail with a CAD 4.5 million grant from the Invest Ontario Fund, subject to reaching a definitive agreement.
SelTracTM is Hitachi Rail’s moving block CBTC technology, which it invented in Toronto in 1974 with the support of the Ontario government. With this new investment, the company is aiming to develop its ninth generation, SelTracTM (G9), which will integrate artificial intelligence, 5G communications, edge and cloud computing. Hitachi Rail says that this new generation will lead to lower costs and a minimised carbon footprint for transit operators and to an enhanced journey experience for passengers.
Some of the invested funds will go towards increasing Hitachi Rail’s workforce in Toronto by 100 new jobs. It will also fund the retention of 1,000 highly skilled jobs at its York Mills office, including R&D and engineering roles.
“The over $100 million investment in the next generation of our world-leading SelTracTM technology is hugely exciting – and we are grateful to the Government of Ontario and Invest Ontario for their support.
“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. This Ontario-invented technology is a Canadian success story that is creating jobs and boosting economic growth.”
CBTC uses wireless communications between trains and infrastructure to operate urban rail systems. SelTracTM is currently installed on more than 100 lines in 40 major cities globally, including on Ottawa’s O-Train.
The York Mills office serves as Hitachi Rail’s engineering centre of excellence and is fitted with state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, testing areas and simulation environments.
The company’s expansion as part of this investment is adding to its presence in Canada, which includes around 1,200 employees across the country. Toronto itself is home to Hitachi Rail’s international urban transit signalling technology business. The province of Ontario is home to one of the largest tech clusters in North America.
“Hitachi Rail’s investment is a testament to Ontario’s strengths in future technologies that are transforming industries from manufacturing to transportation. We are excited to support the company in advancing a made-in-Ontario technology that keeps cities around the world on the move.”
