Can an urban rail transit system be both efficient and sustainable? That’s the goal SMRT Trains had when it partnered with Hitachi Rail on the Green Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) Next Gen project to attain net zero by 2050.
The Green CBTC technology taps on the advanced analytics capabilities of Hitachi Rail’s SelTrac signalling system, which automatically manages train acceleration, braking, and coasting. It helps optimise the trains’ power consumption without affecting the passenger experience.
“By continuously analysing and optimising train performance with real-world data, the system achieves significant energy savings without compromising service reliability, trip time or passenger comfort,” Lam Sheau Kai, president of SMRT Trains, tells The Edge Singapore.
How it works
The Green CBTC Next Gen technology crunches vast amounts of data on train speed, location, and track conditions to map out the most energy-efficient acceleration, cruising, and braking patterns without compromising overall trip time.
“In simple terms, it’s like having a driver who knows consciously when to accelerate smoothly, when to coast, and when to brake gently— minimising wasted energy and saving fuel at every step,” explains Lam.
See also: M1, Airbus, and CitiCall team up to bring next-gen secure communications to Singapore
By optimising speed ramp-ups and minimising hard braking, the system ensures a steady, fuel-efficient ride, much like how driving at a consistent pace saves gas. This helps to coordinate the efficiency of trains across the entire network, creating an optimised flow of train movements that reduces overall energy demand, states Lam.
Initial success
The first phase of SMRT’s Green CBTC Next Gen project is already paying off. Since launching in July 2024 on the North-South and East-West Lines, the system has cut traction energy use by 8%, saving over 15 million kWh annually—enough to power 3,000 homes for a year.
See also: Singapore Airlines taps on Salesforce to deliver AI-powered customer service applications
Data was the cornerstone of this success. According to Lam, the Green CBTC system gathers over 1 million data points per second from more than 150 trains running across 60 stations on the North-South and East-West Lines. By analysing every journey and identifying patterns, the system can pinpoint inefficiencies and deliver real-time actionable insights.
“For example, if energy consumption between two stations is unusually high, the data analytics platform would pinpoint potential causes. Simulations could then test various adjustments to train speed and schedules, finding the optimal balance that reduced energy consumption without impacting travel times. This precision-driven approach ensures that energy savings are achieved without compromising passenger experience,” he says.
Close collaboration was also key. SMRT Trains’s engineering and operations teams worked closely with Hitachi Rail’s experts, holding regular feedback sessions to fine-tune the system and refine operational processes. The partnership ensured the solution remained highly efficient, responsive to real-world conditions, and aligned with operational goals.
“The success of Phase 1 can be attributed to the powerful synergy between advanced technology, robust data analytics, and seamless collaboration between SMRT Trains and Hitachi Rail. At its core, the Green CBTC system uses sophisticated algorithms to detect inefficiencies in real-time, optimising train schedules, enhancing operational efficiency, and ultimately achieving significant energy savings,” states Lam.
Beyond environmental gains, the Green CBTC system helped enhance the overall passenger experience. Smoother acceleration and braking (enabled by precise energy optimisation) provide a more comfortable and seamless journey for commuters.
Moreover, the optimisation of train movements reduces mechanical strain, leading to less wear and tear on trains. This helps preserve the condition of components while enhancing overall system performance.
Next steps
To stay ahead of the latest tech trends, click here for DigitalEdge Section
Phase 2 of the Green CBTC project is already underway, with preparations starting in August 2024.
The Green CBTC system will continue to collect and analyse operational data from the North-South and East-West Lines train journeys to further optimise SMRT Trains’s operations. Using that data, Hitachi Rail will conduct in-depth investigations from multiple angles to find an ideal balance between energy efficiency and train punctuality.
“Advanced tools, such as the Run Analyser and Energy Optimiser, leverage cutting-edge algorithms to simulate and automate adjustments across a range of variables. This allows us and SMRT to pinpoint promising changes that maximise energy savings without compromising commuter experience or service reliability,” says Tang Yu Feng, managing director of Hitachi Rail GTS Singapore.
He continues: “[The Green CBTC technology] is a testament to Hitachi’s commitment to social innovation and environmental stewardship. [This project with SMRT Trains] aligns seamlessly with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030, showcasing how advanced technology can address urgent climate challenges while improving urban mobility.
“By combining our expertise in rail systems with a focus on sustainability, Hitachi Rail is not just moving trains but driving meaningful change for cities and communities around the world.”
