Hitachi Rail Partners with Invest Ontario in C$100 Million CBTC Technology Enhancement

Image generated with Ai

Hitachi Rail is excited to announce a collaboration with Invest Ontario, involving an investment exceeding C$100 million to enhance its premier Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling technology.

This initiative focuses on advancing a new version of Hitachi Rail’s CBTC system, SelTracTM (G9), by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), 5G communication technologies, and both edge and cloud computing. This upgraded system is designed to reduce operational costs, decrease the carbon footprint, and improve the experience for passengers globally.

The funding will also support the expansion of Hitachi Rail’s employee base in Toronto, Ontario. This expansion will create 100 new jobs and maintain 1,000 specialized positions at their York Mills office, particularly in R&D and engineering.

“The over $100 million investment in the next generation of our world-leading SelTrac^TM technology is hugely exciting – and we are grateful to the Government of Ontario and Invest Ontario for their support,” said Ziad Rizk, Managing Director, Urban Rail Signalling, Hitachi Rail. “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 is an advanced urban signaling system that utilizes wireless communication between trains and trackside equipment to enhance the efficiency and safety of urban transit and subway systems more effectively than traditional signaling methods. SelTracTM, originally developed in Ontario, is the pioneering moving block CBTC signaling system, now deployed on over 100 lines in 40 major cities worldwide, including Ottawa’s O-Train.

Ontario is recognized for its significant tech sector, one of the largest in North America, especially noted for its expertise in AI, automation, and connectivity. This makes it an ideal location for Hitachi Rail to develop innovative digital solutions for urban rail and metro systems, leveraging the province’s smart mobility capabilities.

The York Mills office in Toronto is Hitachi Rail’s hub for engineering excellence, featuring cutting-edge labs, testing areas, and simulation facilities.

“As one of the largest and most sought-after tech hubs in North America, Ontario is driving the development of next-generation technologies that will strengthen economic growth across key sectors, including automation and transportation,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through Invest Ontario, we are proud to support Hitachi Rail’s expansion in Toronto and thank them for choosing our province as the ideal place for their continued growth and success.”

This expansion contributes to Hitachi Rail’s increasing footprint in Canada, which now includes approximately 1,200 employees involved in key transit projects across Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa. Toronto hosts the company’s international urban transit signaling technology operations and large program teams in both downtown and Mississauga, which are instrumental in delivering significant transit infrastructure projects like the Ontario Line and Hurontario.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is investing $70 billion in the largest transit expansion in North America, connecting millions more Ontarians to reliable and affordable public transit. Today’s announcement means Hitachi Rail will be helping even more workers gain the critical expertise needed to deliver Ontario’s generational projects,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation

“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,” said Jennifer Block, Interim CEO of Invest Ontario.