Ascom Security Solutions wins orders to expand and upgrade passenger information systems for Wiener Linien of Vienna, the Stuttgart S-Bahn and the Zurich S-Bahn

Wiener Linien has awarded Ascom Security Solutions a contract for delivery and integration of passenger information systems for the new stations on Vienna's extended underground rail network. The order size is CHF 3 milliom.  In addition, Germany's regional rail network DB Regio is modernising its ET 420 S-Bahn trains in the Stuttgart region and ordered Ascom Security Solutions to upgrade two trains with an acoustic and optical passenger information system, with an option on a further 88 trains. And Ascom Security Solutions is to provide passenger information systems for the Swiss Federal Railways' new double-decker S-Bahn trains for an order size of CHF 4.5 million.

The solution for Wiener Linien covers delivery of display systems for in-station passenger information as well as integration of all system components. In all, 21 new stations will be built on the U1 and U2 underground lines and equipped with state-of-the-art passenger information solutions from Ascom Security Solutions. The system architecture is designed on the one hand to enable centralised control of passenger information from the new control centre in Erdberg, and on the other hand to enable autonomous control of assigned stations from 19 decentralised signal boxes.

Expansion work will continue until 2010, and will significantly enhance the attractiveness of Vienna's underground rail network.

Upgrading of Stuttgart's S-Bahn
Back in 2001, 90 of Stuttgart's Type ET 420 S-Bahn (rapid transit) train compositions were equipped with RAILVOXplus, the digital, acoustic passenger information system from Ascom Security Solutions. Now this acoustic passenger information system is to be enhanced with on-board and exterior displays, intercoms to the train driver, and video surveillance. The existing passenger information system of Ascom Security Solutions provided basic functionality for automatic acoustic announcements.

In a first step, two ET 420 trains consisting of three coaches were converted as demonstration models and unveiled to the press in October 2005. DB Regio holds an option to upgrade another 88 trains through 2011. Ascom Security Solutions is responsible for installing and integrating the passenger information system and additional components.

The state-of-the-art passenger information system of Ascom Security Solutions will give the Stuttgart S-Bahn a distinctive edge over other public transport operators.

These orders will significantly strengthen Ascom Security Solutions’ position, particularly in the German market, as a global provider of information systems for infrastructure operators.

Delivery for Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)
Ascom Security Solutions is delivering some 35 new RAILVOX passenger information systems, specially modified for the Swiss Federal Railways. The components include computer racks, on-board and exterior information displays, loudspeakers, as well as WLAN, GPS and GSM modules. Swiss Federal Railways unveiled the first double-decker S-Bahn train in Zurich's central rail station on 2 December 2005.

About Ascom
Ascom is an international solution provider with comprehensive technological know-how. In future the company aims to concentrate on the core areas of Wireless Solutions (high-value, customer-specific on-site communications solutions) and Security Solutions (applications for security, communication, automation and control systems for infrastructure operators, public security institutions and the army).

The Special Products Division covers the activities of Network Integration (network solutions for the data/voice convergence market) in Italy and Payphones (specialised products for voice traffic). Discontinued operations primarily comprise Transport Revenue (revenue collection, parking and toll systems) and Network Integration Switzerland, Belgium and Germany. With a wealth of experience in implementing complex projects for discerning customers, Ascom has established itself in important key markets.

Offerings range from analysis and consulting to system design and system integration, project management, engineering and implementation, right through to maintenance and support. The company has subsidiaries in 22 countries and a workforce of some 3,500 employees worldwide. Ascom registered shares (ASCN) are listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich.

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