SelTrac CBTC technology now live on SEPTA’s Media–Sharon Hill line

SelTrac CBTC technology is now in commercial operation on SEPTA’s Media–Sharon Hill line in Philadelphia. Hitachi Rail is rolling out its CBTC (Communications Based Train Control) digital signaling system on the route, according to RailwayPro.

The project targets one of the United States’ last interurban trolley-type networks and completes the implementation of SelTrac™ on this line.

11.9 miles (19 km) of CBTC digital signaling system upgrades

The upgrade spans roughly 11.9 miles (around 19 km) of light rail between the 69th Street Transportation Center and the communities of Media and Sharon Hill, as Railway Supply also reports. The line uses overhead electrification and a tram-specific gauge. At the same time, the new technology replaces older signaling systems—some of which have been operating for decades.

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What SelTrac includes: ATP, ATS, transponders and on-board sensors?

Hitachi Rail’s SelTrac™ introduces a set of functions intended to support more consistent operations. It includes automatic train protection (ATP) to enforce speed limits and prevent unsafe movements, plus automatic traffic supervision (ATS) for real-time monitoring. Also, it relies on track-mounted transponders and on-board sensors to provide high-precision location.

In addition, Hitachi Rail points to increased capacity and improved performance through advanced data analysis, alongside a flexible and scalable architecture designed to keep life-cycle costs low. By implementing CBTC, the operator can optimize vehicle intervals and increase service reliability without major additional investment in physical infrastructure.

SEPTA Media–Sharon Hill line modernised to digital control standards

The Media–Sharon Hill line is considered one of the last classic trolley-type interurban networks in the US, combining tram and light rail characteristics. With SelTrac now fully integrated, the upgrade brings the route to modern safety and digital control standards, at a time when more urban networks in North America are switching to CBTC systems.

In a Hitachi Rail statement, Joseph Pozza, president of Hitachi Rail USA, said the upgrade will enable “reliable and modern operations for decades to come,” while Massimo Esposito, senior director of technology in North America, emphasized that the new system will improve the passenger experience and traffic regularity.

Separately, Hitachi Rail highlighted its historic presence in Pittsburgh through Union Switch & Signal, founded in 1881, and cited legacy milestones such as the first power interlocking system (1882), the first automatic electro-pneumatic train stopping system (1901), the first inductive control system (1923), and the first digital rail yard control system (1970).

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