Next year BLT will be running with TINA
On behalf of BLT Baselland Transport AG (BLT), Stadler Rail AG is building 25 trams of the latest generation, the TINA type. The first TINA trams will run on the BLT network from December 2023 for approval purposes and are expected to enter service in mid-2024.
Stadler Rail commissioned onway (schweiz) ag to provide a high-performance train-to-land connection for internal systems such as the passenger information system, passenger counting, video surveillance as well as the provision of PWLAN (Public Wireless Local Area Network) internet access for passengers. Thanks to a modern ICT architecture with clean separation of the different traffic flows, the tramway subsystems can use the same onway solution for their internal communication with the control centre as the passengers use for their internet connections.
Implementation of a high-performance infrastructure
The PWLAN is integrated by installing WLAN access points in the trams, which provide a wireless internet connection for the passengers. This will create a high-performance infrastructure that guarantees high bandwidth and fast data transmission. Passengers can log into the network with their mobile devices and surf the Internet directly, check their e-mails, etc.
At the same time, a stable LAN connection is set up for the subsystems in the tram. This connection is used for communication between the various components in the vehicle, such as the passenger information system, the passenger counting system as well as the video surveillance system. The connection is made via a closed network that ensures secure and reliable data transmission. A dedicated on3800 router/firewall is used for BLT’s internal communication between the vehicle and the land.
«The integration of PWLAN and the stable train-to-country connection in the new TINA trams is intended to provide significant added value for passengers and the operator BLT,” says Stephan Harder, Account Manager Traffic Solutions at onway, summarising the project goal. “The previously multiple proprietary subsystems will be consolidated, which will greatly increase the flexibility of the on-board IT and at the same time reduce acquisition and operating costs.»