CAF Wins €60m Deal to Modernise Helsinki Metro Signalling

The organisations responsible for owning, managing and operating the Helsinki metro have confirmed the award of a major signalling contract to CAF, covering a comprehensive modernisation of the network’s control systems.

Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd, Helsinki City Transport and Länsimetro Ltd have selected CAF to upgrade the entire signalling infrastructure using its OPTIO Communications-Based Train Control system. The contract also includes the supply of a new control centre and the retrofit of the existing M300 train fleet, which was originally built by CAF, to install onboard CBTC equipment. The overall value of the agreement exceeds EUR 60 million.

The award marks a significant step for CAF in the signalling sector, reinforcing its strategic focus on this area of the rail market. It also builds on the company’s growing portfolio in automated metro operations, following a major contract secured for the Naples Metro towards the end of last year. With the Helsinki project, CAF completes its current suite of trackside and onboard signalling solutions for mainline and urban rail applications. On the Finnish network, the OPTIO system will allow operation in automatic mode at GoA2, with unattended automatic turnback operations at line termini at GoA3.

Helsinki’s metro network extends for around 43 kilometres and links the Finnish capital with the neighbouring city of Espoo via two lines. Since opening in 1982, the system has grown to include 30 stations and now carries more than 78 million passengers annually.

The project is designed to deliver a phased modernisation of the signalling system, with the aims of improving reliability, increasing automation and enabling higher service frequencies to meet projected growth in demand. The upgraded system is scheduled to enter commercial operation by the end of the decade.

The contract further strengthens the existing relationship between CAF and Metro Helsinki. CAF has already supplied 25 metro trains to the network in recent years, and the latest agreement underlines the confidence placed in the company by one of Europe’s established metro operators.

The deal also reflects CAF’s broader expansion across Scandinavia, a region it regards as a key growth market. Recent projects include rolling stock for the high-speed line linking Oslo with its airport, tram fleets for cities including Stockholm, Oslo and Lund, and large regional train orders for Swedish operators Transitio AB and SJ AB.

Image: CAF