Hitachi Rail – a global industry leader in train control technology – will design and supply Muni Metro’s new train control system, replacing 30-year-old tech in the subway and expanding it citywide.
We finalized a historic supplier contract with Hitachi Rail in January 2025. This is an important milestone for the Train Control Upgrade Project (TCUP). The project will replace Muni Metro’s outdated train control system with a new modern, Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system. This will make Muni Metro safer, more efficient and reliable citywide.
Why We Need This Project
Modernizing Muni Metro’s train control is the most critical long-term investment to improve Muni Metro. Customers will have shorter, smoother rides with fewer delays citywide. This means a more predictable, reliable ride, faster travel and fewer missed connections.
Communications-Based Train Control technology tracks and communicates with every light rail vehicle in service. It uses Wi-Fi, or cellular connections, to do this. It also updates its software regularly. We can use this technology to manage train movements both in the subway and above ground. This will add efficiency throughout Muni Metro’s entire 74-mile light rail network.
How This Contract Is Unique
The TCUP supplier contract applies lessons learned from past projects. For example, it combines design and procurement for the project with up to 20 years of long-term operation and maintenance support after the project is done. Typically, contracts only focus on the life of the project and don’t include post-project support.
This new approach helps the SFMTA stay up to date as train control technology continues to evolve, secures competitive rates for the expected life of the new system. and ensures Muni Metro’s safety and reliability for the next 30 years.
The contract includes three components:
- Hitachi Rail’s state of the art proprietary technology. This includes design support to develop the technology to the SFMTA’s unique specifications. Cost: approximately $212M
- Ten years of post-project technology support. Cost: up to $114M from 2032 to 2042
- An additional, optional ten years of technology support. Cost: up to $238M, escalated for inflation, from 2042 to 2052
Hitachi Rail’s support will include
- Regular software updates
- 24/7 troubleshooting support
- Replacement parts
- A plan to update hardware as needed
Another unique aspect of this contract are the built-in performance requirements. This protects the city’s investment. If the requirements aren’t met, the SFMTA can decrease or withhold payment to the contractor.
“Modernizing Muni Metro with an industry leading technology is an important step for the city of San Francisco. Hitachi Rail looks forward to expanding our long-standing partnership with the SFMTA, by delivering our SelTrac™ CBTC technology to enhance mobility, sustainability, and passenger experience,” said Ziad Rizk, Urban Rail Signaling, Managing Director, Hitachi Rail.
“We’re grateful for the vision and foresight of our local elected officials, who gave us permission to pursue a new approach to contracting. And, we’re eager to start our next-generation partnership with Hitachi Rail,” said SFMTA’s Director of Transportation, Julie Kirshbaum. "Hitachi Rail's product is the most technologically advanced we have seen. A major strength of their proposal was their thoughtful approach to applying their technology to San Francisco's unique challenges. Hitachi Rail will help the SFMTA deliver a project that improves daily rail service by improving Muni Metro reliability citywide."
For additional project information including benefits, timeline and phasing, visit the TCUP project page (SFMTA.com/TrainControl).