Thales, in collaboration with its transmission network technology partner Nokia, has been awarded a contract by Transport for London (TfL) to deliver a comprehensive communications renewal to support the safe operations of the Tube network.
This renewal will ensure that TfL’s multi-services network (MSN) operates at peak performance, minimising functional risks, journey disruptions and costs for TfL.
The MSN serves as the underlying infrastructure that supports Connect, Thales’ industry leading system responsible for the critical communications ecosystem that underpins the London Underground. This includes radio, transmission and operational CCTV technology used by TfL staff to maintain smooth operations, making the MSN vital to efficiency on the rail network and ensuring a safer and smoother passenger experience.
Legacy systems can slowly become unreliable and could disrupt services, leading to delays and an overall negative impact on passenger journeys. Ensuring a data-backed, integrated and timely update – such as this one spearheaded by Thales and Nokia – proactively addresses these concerns, without hampering passenger mobility.
Nokia’s mission-critical IP/MPLS network solution is the backbone and complements this system by providing secure, reliable and scalable connectivity, ensuring that the foundation for this communications ecosystem is robust and sustainable.
Rebecca Bissell, Director of Information Technology, TfL, said: “We are delighted to be working with Thales and Nokia on this renewal of our multi-services network, which supports a number of key systems such as the Connect radio system and access to CCTV across the network. Delivering this comprehensive communications renewal will support the operational demands of our extensive Tube and rail network and ensure it operates at peak performance while reducing costs, journey disruptions, and ultimately providing the best service possible to our customers.”
Andy Bell, Vice President, Thales Transport in the UK, said: “We’re delighted to partner with TfL and Nokia on this critical project. Renewing the multi-services network, in a way that minimises disruptions to services, is essential for maintaining a safe, reliable and efficient underground, without putting the burden on passengers. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to continuous innovation in rail and prioritising passenger mobility and operational excellence.”
We asked Rebecca Bissell, Director of Information Technology at Transport for London, further questions to find out more about the project.
Can you elaborate on the specific challenges faced with the legacy systems on the London Underground network that necessitated this comprehensive communications renewal?
There are three networks that make up the Connect system, carrying operational voice and communications, CCTV and an array of other services. Each of these are based on old technology that has now become obsolete, are challenging to support and have other limitations that prevent our digital railway aspirations.
It’s important to note that this renewal is the latest part of a wider programme to prepare the Connect System for up to 15 years of further operation. A programme of capital works to upgrade various elements of the TETRA radio system to extend its useful life to the mid-2030s was completed in 2023. However, in addition to the various required TETRA radio upgrade projects delivered, additional capital investment is also required to similarly protect (through a technology refresh) the ongoing availability of our below-ground data network services that underpin (and are a key dependency for) the TETRA radio system. This is what is being now delivered by Thales and Nokia.
How will the renewed multi-services network (MSN) specifically improve operational efficiencies and passenger experiences on the Tube and rail network?
The MSN serves as the underlying infrastructure that supports Connect, Thales’ industry leading system responsible for the critical communications ecosystem that underpins the London Underground. This includes radio, transmission and operational CCTV technology used by TfL staff to maintain smooth operations, making the MSN vital to efficiency on the rail network and ensuring a safer and smoother passenger experience.
Having a modern high-bandwidth optical IP network, stretching across the whole of London Underground, enables a multitude of existing and new services to be delivered. Not only is this efficient through its wider utility, but it is also easier to maintain, support and expand for future use cases, saving money and ensuring safer and more effective operational railway. For example, with the MSN providing multi-utility to the whole underground, it has been designed to allow TfL to ‘on-board’ new services as they emerge e.g. future signalling upgrades.
What role does Nokia’s mission-critical IP/MPLS network solution play in this renewal project, and how does it complement Thales’ Connect system?
The Nokia solution underpins the core infrastructure that makes up the network that will replace the existing Connect networks, where all circuits and services will be migrated across. Nokia are essential in delivering this system and ensuring its safe and reliable support throughout its life.
In what ways will the updated communications network enhance the safety and security of passengers and staff on the London Underground?
Legacy systems can slowly become unreliable and could disrupt services, leading to delays and an overall negative impact on passenger journeys. Ensuring a data-backed, integrated and timely update – such as this one spearheaded by Thales and Nokia – proactively addresses these concerns, without hampering passenger mobility.
The key service that Connect delivers is a digital operational Radio system that provides communication between trains, stations and control centres as well as for engineering staff carrying out projects and maintenance. We have invested to ensure this Radio system is supportable for many years to come, however, and as mentioned, the networks that underpin this service are obsolete and present significant risk of failure, therefore the new network will ensure that Connect continues to deliver a reliable Radio service, ensuring the safety and security of our staff and customers.
How does this communications renewal align with TfL’s broader strategic goals for Digital Transformation and modernisation of the transport network?
In creating the new multi service network we have created a significant enabler for all operational transmission needs, both now and in the future. It will become the core operational network for all critical services, for example new signalling systems, new fleet train data communications, station security and of course Connect, put simply it will allow us to progress our strategy of a digitised railway.
What measures are being taken to ensure the new communications network remains future-proof and scalable to meet evolving demands on the London Underground?
The solution has been specified with scalability and expansion in mind, as we know emerging requirements will present themselves over the years. We have aspirations to extend the reach of the network into many other operational areas and even begin to connect other TfL modal networks together, where there are synergies and present improved safety and operational efficiency and effectiveness.