EDMONTON, CANADA (May 23, 2007) -- General Electric Corporation (NYSE: GE) and the City of Edmonton today announced next generation crossing and signalling technology will be installed as part of Edmonton's South Light Rail Transit (LRT) Extension, marking the first time this technology will be applied in Canada. The technology will be on display in Calgary as part of the Railway Systems Suppliers show at the TELUS Convention Centre on May 23 and 24.
GE will install a complete train control system, including crossing systems and signalling control technology to help support the reliability, efficiency and sustainability of the network's signalling and crossing systems. The crossing and signalling system will include GE's next generation technology for improved train control performance. The GE ElectroLogIXS train control technology launched in 2006 and is proven on rail networks throughout the United States and Australia.
The system will use fibre optic communication, allowing data and communications to be quickly transmitted over the rail network and will provide a higher reliability and efficiency over traditional cable communication. An added advantage of the fibre optic network is the ability to connect Anywhere on the network and check system and equipment performance. GE also will install high intensity LED signals that provide longer life and use less power. These signals last at least six times longer than traditional incandescent signal lamps.
Featuring four new stations and 7.5 km of new track, Edmonton's South LRT Extension will make public transit more accessible, better integrate the LRT with the bus transit system and allow additional high-speed transit development in the future. Construction has already begun, taking it from the new Health Sciences Station to the future Century Park development by the end of 2009.The project is jointly funded by the City of Edmonton, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Alberta, with support through the New Deal for Cities and Communities and the Alberta Municipal Infrastructure Program.
The City of Edmonton's Transportation Master Plan calls for the development of high speed transit corridors to help manage traffic congestion, give the public a greater range of travel options, and reduce the community and environmental impacts of expanding the transportation system. The south LRT extension is part of this plan. The Light Rail Transit system is powered by electricity and carries over 46,000 passengers on an average day, providing service to or from the Northeast, Downtown, Government Centre and University areas of the City.
NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR LIGHT RAIL EXTENSION
About Edmonton
Vibrant and culturally diverse, Edmonton is an ideal place to live, learn, work, invest and visit. Home to more than one million people and the global port to more than $100 billion in northern oil sands development, Alberta's capital is an economic powerhouse offering the nation's best combination of business opportunity and quality of life. Edmonton leads the world in healthcare research and innovation, education, and environmental stewardship. As Canada's Festival City and the Cultural Capital for 2007, Edmonton is alive with endless festivals, events, attractions, art and activities.
About GE -- Transportation
GE -- Transportation, a unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), delivers technology solutions for the rail, marine, and mining industries. Products and services include freight and passenger locomotives, railway signalling and communications systems, diesel engines for marine and
stationary power applications and motorized systems for mining trucks and drills.
Contact: Shaunda Parks
GE Transportation
(816) 650-1639
(913) 908-0067 (cell)
Kelly Vail
City of Edmonton
(780) 496-2812
(780) 940-9438 (cell)
Chris Banocy