Tokyo Metro trials 5G CBTC
- Pinnacle Team
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
Tokyo Metro is set to begin trial operations of Japan's first 5G-based Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system later this summer. In collaboration with the Railway Technical Research Institute (RTRI), Hitachi, Mitsubishi Electric, and NTT Communications, they will conduct a detailed verification of the 5G-based CBTC installation on an approximately 3 km section of the Marunouchi Line between Shin-Otsuka Station and Korakuen Station.
The trial, which will run from August 2024 to March 2025, will meticulously analyze the performance of 5G technology in a railway environment. It will specifically test the propagation characteristics of the 5G network both underground and above ground, the ability to maintain high-quality communication between trains and trackside equipment, and various tests using the railway's communication infrastructure. Tokyo Metro believes that the results from this trial will be applicable not only to subway systems but also to various other types of railway systems. The project is also designed with compatibility with the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) being developed in Europe, and is expected to accelerate the digital transformation of railway systems through AI and advanced sensing technologies.
This trial operation will be led by Tokyo Metro, with each partner having a specific role: RTRI will provide research information on wireless communication infrastructure; Hitachi will handle the installation and operation of private 5G networks for train and trackside equipment; NTT will be responsible for building the public 5G network and providing technical support; and Mitsubishi Electric will handle the installation and technical support for trackside equipment. Through this collaboration, they anticipate realizing benefits such as reduced capital investment, improved operational efficiency, lower maintenance-related personnel requirements, and enhanced safety and system stability.
February 6, 2024
