TES to provide radio comms for £1bn tram network

TES Communication Solutions is to provide the digital radio system which will underpin communication across the £1.3bn West Midlands Metro tram network upgrade.

The Leyland-based company developed the technology which will enhance voice and data capability for the current and future network.

Included in the upgrade and expansion programme are a number of control, communications and passenger information systems that support and maintain a seamless operation of the tramway. These provide West Midlands Metro with the ability to monitor tram movements and passengers using the network and provide the mechanism to react to any incidents.

The network also operates independently from public phone and radio systems, making it ideal for use in the event of a major incident, and the technology also highly scalable, future-proofing the system in advance of plans to triple the size of the network with further additional trams and upgrades to depot-maintenance facilities and operations control.

TES Communication Solutions’ radio systems have previously been installed in transport and infrastructure systems around the world where there is a need for dedicated communications including Taiwan, Guatemala, Manchester Metrolink, Blackpool Transport, UBS Bank and Astra Zeneca.

Wesley Shilton, director of TES, said: "We worked closely with the team at West Midlands Combined Authority to design and develop a radio network which we know is proven but tailored for their specific needs. This kind of system is fit-for-purpose now and future proof for large regional operations such as the West Midlands Metro."

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