Siemens Mobility has conducted the first live demonstration of its Signaling X solution for metro operations at the Singapore Rail Test Center (SRTC). The event was attended by mass transit operators and journalists from around the world. The new system, designed to address growing global mobility demands, brings Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) into a centralized, cloud-ready infrastructure using a signaling data center.
Signaling X is built on Siemens Mobility’s Distributed Smart Safe System (DS3) platform and runs safety-critical functions on commercial off-the-shelf hardware. According to Siemens Mobility, this approach can increase operational efficiency by up to 20% and deliver energy savings of up to 30%. This allows more trains to operate safely at closer intervals, increasing capacity and supporting sustainable urban mobility.
The solution was previously launched at InnoTrans 2024 and had already been introduced in mainline rail applications. With this latest demonstration in Singapore, Siemens Mobility aims to expand its reach into the mass transit market.
Marc Ludwig, CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, stated: "Today marks a milestone in the digital transformation of mass transit as we unveil Signaling X in a live urban rail environment here in Singapore. Signaling X brings together various signaling systems onto one platform, expanding capabilities through open interfaces. Our groundbreaking solution has already demonstrated its reliability in mainline applications as a globally proven platform with a strong track record. Today is the first live showcase in a CBTC mass transit test setting, and we are grateful to MSI Global for partnering with us to present Signaling X."
The cloud-ready platform integrates interlockings, signaling systems, and control systems into a centralized virtualized data center. Both safety-critical railway functions such as interlocking logic and non-safety systems like timetable management can be deployed on standard commercial hardware using standardized APIs. This reduces reliance on proprietary technology that often requires dedicated rooms filled with specialized electronics.
The DS3 platform was introduced in 2020 and uses commercial off-the-shelf hardware to support secure operation of safety-critical applications within a scalable network. The system is designed to improve operational efficiency while also enhancing cybersecurity and reducing complexity across rail infrastructure.