Hitachi secures contract to upgrade the Sentosa Express with its internationally-certified Wireless Signaling System (CBTC)

Singapore, November 19, 2014 --- Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501 / “Hitachi”) today announced that it has secured a S$30million (2.7billion yen) contract with Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) through Hitachi Asia Ltd. to enhance the capability of the Sentosa Express light rail system, with a new Wireless Signaling System (CBTC*1) and another train set (comprising two carriages). The enhancement will enable the Sentosa Express to cater to more passengers and better serve an increasing number of visitors entering the popular island resort located on the southern end of Singapore.

This CBTC system, which is a signaling system for urban transportation such as the monorail, will use wireless communication to transmit information on trains' positions and speeds so that the distance between trains can be closer, yet safe and constant. This significantly reduces the time intervals between trains, shaving off travel time for guests. The improvement on train efficiency will also allow the addition of another two-carriage train for greater capacity.

In addition, the enhancement will have an Automatic Train Operations (ATO*2) function, which means that the computer system will be able to fully control the train. This will relieve the train captains of manual train operation, and allow them to take on other functions such as managing safety and security on the train.

Sentosa, Asia's leading leisure destination that was recently rebranded as a State of Fun, attracted more than 18m local visitors and tourists last year. The 500-hectare island resort is home to an exciting array of themed attractions, resort accommodations, beaches, F&B outlets and more. One of the key modes of transport from mainland Singapore onto the island is via the Sentosa Express. The Sentosa Express provides convenient access from VivoCity right through to Sentosa's popular beaches, with stops along the way that allow visitors to drop off at Resorts World Sentosa and Imbiah, where popular attractions such as the Sentosa Merlion, 4D AdventureLand and newly-opened Madame Tussauds Singapore are located. When the Sentosa Express was first launched in 2007, Hitachi provided six train sets (comprising 12 carriages), signaling and power supply, operating systems and track switches, systems design and systems integration.

Hitachi's CBTC system has achieved international recognition from the European Certification Agency. Hitachi was awarded “Safety Integrity Level 4” for reliability, availability, maintainability and safety - the highest safety level attainable, and the first Japanese company to have received this certification. This technology has also been applied to the Chongqing rail transit in 2009 and the system will also be adopted on Line 1, Vietnam's first urban railway in Ho Chi Minh City. Hitachi will continue to strengthen its business in railway signaling markets around the world, thereby expanding its railway systems business on a global scale.

“Hitachi is excited to work with SDC once again to provide a better user experience for the Sentosa Express with our CBTC system and new vehicles. We have been ensuring safe and effective operation of the Sentosa Express since its launch in 2007 and this partnership is testament of SDC's recognition in Hitachi's abilities. Hitachi will continue to keep a close relationship with SDC to provide a safe and pleasant journey for all guests to Sentosa. Hitachi will provide CBTC system not only Singapore but also other regions,” said Mr Alistair Dormer, Hitachi Rail Global CEO of Hitachi, Ltd.

Mr Mike Barclay, CEO, SDC said: “As part of our Sentosa connectivity plan, we are taking various steps to upgrade our transport capacity to enhance accessibility and heighten guest experience. We are factoring in the need to prepare for a future growth in visitorship as we continually enhance the offerings on Sentosa. The existing Sentosa Express, launched in 2007, is a bespoke system created by Hitachi to cater to the unique needs of Sentosa. We are pleased to award this contract to Hitachi as we continue to work together to provide our guests with a safe, efficient and comfortable people-mover solution.”

*1CBTC:Communication Based Train Control*2ATO:Automatic Train Operation (provide more information)