Lausanne Greenlights €295M Upgrade for Switzerland’s Only Metro System

Lausanne m2 metro modernisation will proceed under a 295 million euro contract. The agreement was signed by Transports publics de la région lausannoise (tl) and Alstom. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The project was announced on 5 May 2026. It combines a new communications based train control (CBTC) system with a mid-life fleet upgrade. The upgrade covers the existing train fleet.

The programme is intended to increase service frequency and passenger capacity on the m2. The line is described as the backbone of public transport in the Lausanne region. Also, the new signalling system will allow trains to run closer together. It will improve operating precision. This will make it possible to operate more trains on the line. It will reduce waiting times and support growing demand. At the same time, it is to maintain the highest levels of safety and reliability.

Alstom CBTC system for the m2 line

Alstom’s Urbalis Fluence CBTC solution has been selected for the project. In addition, its train-centric architecture places more intelligence onboard the trains. That design is intended to increase capacity and operational flexibility. It also limits infrastructure changes and additional trackside equipment. At the same time, the system is well suited to existing fully automated metro lines. It can improve performance while making best use of current assets. It also enables phased upgrades within long-term network strategies.

The signalling upgrade will be paired with a major mid-life modernisation of the m2 fleet. That fleet work will take place at Alstom’s site in Villeneuve, Switzerland. Under the FlexCare Modernise programme, key onboard systems will be renewed. These include the train control and monitoring system (TCMS). The TCMS will be fully integrated with the new CBTC signalling. The works will also cover improvements to interior areas. The trains’ exterior will be refreshed. The upgrades effectively extend the lifetime of the metro cars. They also support higher capacity, improved reliability and a smoother passenger experience.

m2 fleet mid-life upgrade in Switzerland

Patricia Solioz Mathys, CEO of tl, emphasised the importance of the project for the network. She said: “As Switzerland’s only metro system, m2 is a real success story. The need to modernise the automation systems and increase capacity is crucial for the whole transport network in the Lausanne metropolitan area. We are delighted to be able to rely on Alstom’s expertise and knowledge in carrying out these strategic operations.”

Marie Icardo, Managing Director of Alstom Switzerland, said the programme will bring operational and passenger benefits. She said: “This modernisation will bring more frequent, more reliable journeys for passengers and help the city meet growing demand with shorter waits and a smoother ride. By pairing our new-generation, train-centric CBTC with a fully integrated mid-life upgrade of the fleet, we are boosting capacity while extending the performance of the existing trains for years to come. We are very happy to engage in this new project with tl and look forward to many years of continuous long-standing collaboration ,”

Technical support and phased works

The agreement also includes technical support and obsolescence management services. These services are intended to help secure reliable operation of the m2 line. They cover the transition period and beyond.

The works will be phased to minimise disruption to daily services. Most installation and testing activities will take place during short night time windows. This will allow passenger services to be maintained throughout the programme. At the same time, this reflects the brownfield nature of the project. A new-generation CBTC system will be integrated into a fully operational metro line.

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