Faced with the growing complexity of guided transport networks – whether intercity or urban – as well as rising performance and safety objectives, traditional signalling is increasingly being reinforced with intelligent and efficient automation. This is a trend on all networks that integrate, where possible, 4.0 technologies. Mastering them is essential because new lines are designed with these technologies from the outset; but their deployment on existing lines, normally under operation, also requires knowledge of the signalling systems in place, which are often old and date back several decades due to their long lifespan.

With over 20 years' experience in signalling and automation, safety and railway operations, GESTE has in-depth knowledge of various generations of equipment – from relay technology to electronics – and can take effective action on old installations and deploy the most modern technologies. Our experts, recognised as such by the supervisory authorities, are also masters of onboard signalling systems like ERTMS and driverless automation like CBTC. They also work with companies and operators to develop new technologies, making it possible, for example, to automate and operate driverless railway lines and depots.

• High-speed railway lines
• Intercity railway lines
• Normal or metre gauge regional lines
• Tram-train and tramways
• Metro lines with or without drivers (STO, DTO, UTO)
• Bus, trolleybus and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines
• Rail and bus stations, depots and garages
• Junctions, level crossings and rail/road sections
• Industrial and branch line networks
• Conventional, self-driving and innovative vehicles

• Side (conventional) or onboard ERTMS rail signalling (ETCS L1, L1LS, L2, L3)
• National side rail signalling (ZUB, TBL1 +, ATB, KVB, ATC2, etc.)
• Tramway signalling
• Metro signalling and automation (CBTC) for with or without driver (ATP, ATS and ATO in GoA1 to 4)
• Depot signalling and automation
• Level crossings with rail and road signs
• Safety installations in general: signalling; exterior and interior equipment, ground and side; tags; sensors; train running checks; couplings; remote controls; centralised control stations; etc.
• Self-driving and innovative vehicles

ENGINEERING FOR RENEWAL OR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW INSTALLATIONS

• Audits of existing installations
• Needs analysis
• Technical studies and signalling/automation studies
• Definition of operation and maintenance concepts
• Funding quotes and requests
• Preparation of files for investigation or plan approval procedure (PAP in Switzerland)
• Drafting and managing tenders
• Multidisciplinary phasing and planning of works
• Piloting multidisciplinary projects
• Monitoring execution and general and local works management
• Commissioning and handover testing
• Life cycle management for railway assets

INSPECTION AND SURVEILLANCE OF INSTALLATIONS

• Inspection visits and surveys of all railway installations
• Drafting a report for each object inspected, with a description of its condition, any work to be carried out, estimated cost, and the degree of urgency and planning
• Monitoring the execution of urgent work and planning future work
• Proposing a regeneration plan for railway installations, optimising investment costs and asset management over time

SURVEYS OF EXISTING INSTALLATIONS OR NEW INSTALLATIONS

• Compliance with CSM (AsBo or Assessment Body)
• Verification statements (NoBo or Notified Body) and national assessments (DeBo or Designated Body)
• Files for obtaining authorisation to operate or place on the market as defined in the 4^th Railway Package

DEVELOPEMENT AND INOVATION

• Support for companies in developing new products: quality processes and files, RAMS, V&V in accordance with CENELEC standards 50126, 28 and 29
• Participation with companies and operators in developing innovative products