Thales wins Kaohsiung Light Rail Transit Signalling contract in Taiwan
Thales, a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Transport, Defence and Security markets, has been awarded a contract by China Steel Corporation for the implementation of a signalling system for the extension of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. This second Transportation project follows the contract signed in April 2015 for the design and manufacture of signalling, communications and Operational Control Centre (OCC) systems for the Danhai LRT project in Danhai, North of Taipei.
Key Points
- Thales was awarded a new signalling contract for the LRT’s extension in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Contract includes supply of interlocking systems, Traffic Light Priority systems and Automatic Vehicle Localisation Systems.
- This contract reinforces the Group’s position as the leading developer of Command and Control solutions for Taiwan’s LRT
With almost 2.8 million inhabitants, Kaohsiung is the second largest city after Taipei. Kaohsiung was the first city in Taiwan to launch a tramway project in 2012, and also the first to deploy a modern electric tramway system. The current line has 14 stations and the extension will add a further 23. The completed 22-kilometer circular line will have interchanges at both ends of the two existing metro lines (map attached).

As part of this four and a half year contract, Thales will handle the signalling, including the supply of interlocking systems, Traffic Light Priority systems as well as the Automatic Vehicle Localisation System (AVLS).
We are pleased to award this significant contract in Kaohsiung to Thales as they have proven their strong capabilities in signalling through the current Danhai LRT project, which is working well on-schedule. As Taiwan seeks to modernise its transportation infrastructure, we are confident that Thales will be the best partner to deliver the solutions needed.
Mr CC Cheng, ChinaSteel Corporation, Vice President, Engineering Division
The contract is a further proof point to the strong partnership with local industrial giant China Steel Corporation (CSC) which was forged during the Danhai project and the confidence in Thales’ solutions. This new contract reinforces the Group’s position as the leading developer of signalling solutions for Taiwan’s LRT and paves the way for future tramway projects in Taiwan and across Asia.
Thales, as a leader in cutting-edge urban transportation technology, has already delivered numerous metro projects in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Japan and Mainland China.