Ontario’s SelTracTM Rail Signalling System to Integrate Cutting-Edge AI and Technologies Inspired by Local Talent
TORONTO, Ontario, November 25, 2024 – Invest Ontario proudly announces its support for Hitachi Rail’s ambitious investment exceeding $100 million, aimed at enhancing its renowned communication-based train control (CBTC) signalling technology.
This significant investment encompasses the expansion of Hitachi Rail’s workforce in Toronto, fostering the creation of 100 new jobs while securing 1,000 highly skilled positions at its York Mills office. These roles will concentrate on research and development, as well as engineering, strengthening the company’s Canadian operational capabilities.
Hitachi Rail is set to innovate with the development of the next generation of its advanced CBTC technology, known as SelTracTM (G9). This state-of-the-art system will incorporate artificial intelligence (AI), 5G communications, as well as edge and cloud computing technologies. The advancements will empower transit operators globally to achieve reduced operational costs, a minimized carbon footprint, and a significantly enhanced experience for passengers.
The over $100 million investment in the next generation of our world-leading SelTracTM technology is hugely exciting – and we are grateful to the Government of Ontario and Invest Ontario for their support. 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.
Ziad Rizk
Managing Director, Urban Rail Signalling, Hitachi Rail
CBTC represents a modern urban signalling paradigm that leverages wireless communication between trains and infrastructure to enhance the efficiency and safety of urban transit and subway systems, marking a departure from conventional signalling methodologies. The SelTracTM system, conceptualized in Ontario, stands as the world’s first moving block CBTC signalling system, currently operational in over 100 lines across 40 major cities globally, including the O-Train in Ottawa.
Ontario is celebrated as home to one of the most extensive tech ecosystems in North America, renowned for its expertise in AI, automation, and connectivity technologies. This province’s specialization in smart mobility, paired with Hitachi Rail’s global competence centre located in Toronto, cements Ontario as the ideal destination for the development of next-generation digital solutions for urban rail and metro systems.
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. 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.
Hon. Vic Fedeli
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
The York Mills office in Toronto stands as Hitachi Rail’s engineering centre of excellence, equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including specialized labs, advanced testing areas, and dynamic simulation environments. Alongside the expansion of the research and development team, Hitachi Rail is investing in high-tech equipment dedicated to pioneering product development and prototyping initiatives.
This concerted effort adds to Hitachi Rail’s notable footprint in Canada, where approximately 1,200 employees are engaged in delivering and maintaining essential transit projects across major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa.
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.
Hon. 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.
Jennifer Block
Interim CEO of Invest Ontario
Subject to reaching a definitive agreement, the Invest Ontario Fund will support the investment with a $4.5 million grant, a move expected to amplify Ontario’s position as a leader in rail signalling innovation.
For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit www.investontario.ca.
How will Hitachi Rail’s investment in Toronto benefit the local job market and community development?
**Interview with Ziad Rizk, Managing Director of Urban Rail Signalling at Hitachi Rail**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Ziad. Hitachi Rail recently announced a significant investment in Toronto exceeding $100 million for the development of your SelTrac™ rail signalling technology. Can you give us an overview of what this investment entails?
**Ziad Rizk:** Thank you for having me. This investment is a pivotal step towards enhancing our Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology, specifically with the introduction of the next generation, SelTrac™ G9. We are not only looking to expand our technological capabilities but also to increase our workforce in Toronto. This means adding 100 new jobs, while supporting 1,000 highly skilled positions at our York Mills office. Our focus will be primarily on research and development and engineering, strengthening our operational capabilities in Canada.
**Interviewer:** That’s impressive! The new SelTrac™ system will integrate cutting-edge technologies like AI and 5G. How do you expect these innovations to impact urban rail operations?
**Ziad Rizk:** The integration of AI, 5G, edge, and cloud computing will revolutionize urban rail operations. By improving our signalling systems, transit operators will be able to significantly reduce operational costs, lower their carbon footprint, and enhance overall passenger experience. This technology allows for real-time data communication between trains and infrastructure, providing a more efficient and safer transit system.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the carbon footprint. Given today’s focus on sustainability, how does the new SelTrac™ technology contribute to environmental goals?
**Ziad Rizk:** That’s a great question. Our aim is to develop a signalling system that not only increases efficiency but also promotes sustainability. With improved operational efficiencies, urban rail systems can reduce energy consumption and emissions. As cities across the globe strive for greener public transport options, our technology will enable them to achieve these vital sustainability targets.
**Interviewer:** Ontario is recognized for its thriving tech ecosystem. How does this environment contribute to the success of your innovations?
**Ziad Rizk:** Ontario’s expertise in AI, automation, and connectivity technologies positions it as a leader in smart mobility solutions. With the support of Invest Ontario, we’re able to leverage local talent and resources effectively. Our York Mills office serves as a competence center where we can utilize advanced facilities like specialized labs and testing areas, which are crucial for the development of next-gen solutions for urban transit.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how do you see this investment impacting the local community in Toronto?
**Ziad Rizk:** This investment is much more than just a boost for our company; it’s a commitment to the local community. By creating new jobs and securing existing positions, we contribute to economic growth in Toronto. Additionally, as we innovate and develop advanced transit solutions, we ultimately improve public transport for residents, leading to better quality of life and reduced congestion in the city.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your insights, Ziad. It sounds like an exciting time for Hitachi Rail and the future of urban rail in Ontario!
**Ziad Rizk:** Thank you! We’re excited about what’s ahead and the positive impact we can create together in the urban transit space.