Chatelet-Les-Halles is not only the biggest underground train station in the world, but also the main commuter hub of Paris. Every weekday in the region of 750,000 passengers pass through the sprawling transport complex that encompasses three lines of the RER regional rapid transit service and five Metro routes.
This major building project, overseen by public transport operator RATP, began at the end of 2012 and is due to be completed in 2016. There are three main components to this work: to improve accessibility, increase the standard of service and passenger comfort and make improvements to fire safety and evacuation arrangements.
ATEÏS was a natural choice to supply processing and networking systems to form the backbone of the audio emergency evacuation system. ATEÏS France has supplied an IDA8 modular networkable PA/VA system to control approximately 20 zones connected over 44 loudspeaker lines.
A key factor in the selection of the ATEÏS IDA8 was its EN 54-16 certification, which guarantees that all components and peripherals are monitored, with incidents recorded in a data file.
Another important element is the ATEÏS Voxanet IP software, which is used as a bridge between the VA system and RATP's own supervision program that manages PA and voice messages. Voxanet was specifically customised with the addition of extra functions to enable this interfacing. The installation also includes two racks linked to an ATEÏS Net audio networking system.
Commenting on the project, Jérome Beyls says, "This installation was a big challenge not only in terms of size but also because it is the first underground railway system in France to use the ATEÏS IDA8. But we knew our technology and products were equal to that challenge and are proud to be associated with such a major building project."
ATEÏS boasts a proven track record with rail installations across Europe, including Zurich's prestigious Hauptbahnhof station, Swiss Rail, the Paris to Marseille TGV line and London's Kings Cross.
(Jim Evans)
