Rail supplier news: SEPTA CBTC in service, CSX data upgrade

Rail supplier news this week centers on three separate updates from Hitachi Rail, Infosys and STV. Together, they touch digital signaling, enterprise data modernization and traction power upgrades across U.S. rail and transit networks.

Rail supplier news highlights across three U.S. projects

Hitachi Rail reported that its newest communications-based train control (CBTC) digital signaling system is now operating in revenue service on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) Media–Sharon Hill Line near Philadelphia, as described in a Hitachi Rail release. The newly integrated CBTC system uses SelTrac™ technology as part of a push to modernize one of the last remaining interurban trolley systems in the United States.

In addition, the upgrade will support nearly 12 miles of light-rail trolley service from the 69th Street Transportation Center to communities in the Media and Sharon Hill boroughs. In its press release, Hitachi Rail said the system will use overhead electrification and trolley-gauge tracks, while also replacing aging signal systems.

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Infosys completes CSX data modernization program using Topaz

Separately, Infosys said it completed a major data modernization program for CSX. The company described the effort as one of the largest deployments of its kind in the transportation and logistics sector, according to an Infosys press release. The modernization was built using Infosys Topaz™—a set of services, solutions and platforms using generative AI technologies—along with Microsoft Fabric and Microsoft Purview.

Also, Infosys said it led the end-to-end modernization effort, consolidating CSX’s fragmented data landscape into a unified cloud-native platform. Infosys officials said the initiative replaced legacy systems with a single, governed data environment designed to improve decision-making, accelerate reporting and reduce operational costs.

STV advances TriMet traction power substations on the MAX Blue Line

Meanwhile, STV Inc. said it has completed the design for the first six traction power substations under Portland, Oregon-based TriMet’s Banfield Type 1 substation replacement project, as outlined in an STV announcement. The milestone is aimed at modernizing TriMet’s MAX Blue Line’s power infrastructure, described as one of the oldest components of the region’s light-rail system.

At the same time, STV noted that the 12 Type 1 traction power substations along the MAX Blue Line were originally installed in 1983 and are nearing the end of their service life. The 12-year replacement program will introduce state-of-the-art traction power equipment, improve equipment access and safety, reduce long-term maintenance costs and minimize the risk of service disruptions for riders. Over the past 18 months, STV said it led the structural, civil, electrical and systems design for six substations along the Banfield corridor and is providing overall project management, leading a team of eight consultants.

Taken together, the rail supplier news roundup points to continued investment in CBTC digital signaling, cloud-native data platforms and traction power renewal for legacy light-rail infrastructure.

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