CN: Hitachi Rail Invests $100 Million in Signaling Technology, Creating 100 Jobs | Trade and Industry Development

CN: Hitachi Rail Invests $100 Million in Signaling Technology, Creating 100 Jobs

Nov 26, 2024
SelTracTM, the Ontario-invented rail signalling system, will integrate AI and next-generation technologies leveraging Ontario’s tech talent and engineering expertise

Invest Ontario is proud to support Hitachi Rail’s more than $100 million investment to upgrade its world-leading communication-based train control (CBTC) signalling technology.

This investment includes the expansion of Hitachi Rail’s workforce in Toronto, Ontario, creating 100 new jobs and retaining 1,000 highly skilled positions in its York Mills office, including R&D and engineering roles.

Hitachi Rail aims to develop a new generation of its CBTC technology, SelTracTM (G9), which will integrate artificial intelligence (AI), 5G communications, edge and cloud computing. The next-generation system will offer transit operators worldwide lower costs, minimized carbon footprint, and enhanced passenger experience.

"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,” said Ziad Rizk, Managing Director, Urban Rail Signalling, Hitachi Rail. “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.”

CBTC is a modern urban signalling system that uses wireless communication between trains and infrastructure to operate urban transit and subway systems more efficiently and safely than conventional signalling. SelTracTM, invented in Ontario, is the world’s first moving block CBTC signalling system, currently operating in more than 100 lines in 40 major cities around the world including the O-Train in Ottawa.

Ontario, home to one of the largest tech clusters in North America, is renowned for its strength in AI, automation, and connectivity technologies. The province’s expertise in smart mobility, combined with Hitachi Rail’s global competence centre, makes Ontario the natural place to develop next-generation digital solutions for urban rail and metros.

“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,” said the Hon. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “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.”

The company’s York Mills office in Toronto serves as its engineering centre of excellence, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including labs, testing areas, and simulation environments. In addition to expanding the R&D team, Hitachi Rail is investing in specialized equipment for product development and prototyping.

This expansion adds to Hitachi Rail’s growing presence in Canada that includes around 1,200 employees across the country, who are delivering and maintaining major transit projects in 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,” said the 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,” said 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.