São Paulo Subway upgrades safety with digital radio system
The São Paulo Subway has deployed a new P25 land mobile radio communication system from Motorola Solutions to replace its previous analogue radio network.
The new radio system is intended to boost operational efficiency and safety for around three million passengers who use the São Paulo subway each day. The P25 land mobile radio system, designed to deliver uniform and reliable coverage, is expected to enable faster incident response, better operational coordination, and increased safety for all riders and personnel.
System upgrade
São Paulo's subway network spans some of the busiest lines in Latin America, and its move to a digital radio platform is regarded as a significant infrastructure investment. The upgrade supports a major transition from analogue to digital communications technology, improving channel capacity and enabling more efficient use of the available radio frequency spectrum.
The P25 network connects communications across the Blue, Green, and Red lines-designated as lines 1, 2, and 3, respectively. These lines encompass several of the system's busiest routes, and the unified radio system aims to facilitate coordination between different segments of the network. The enhanced channel capacity allows the subway operator to meet both safety and operational requirements in São Paulo's complex transit environment.
Features and future readiness
The new system incorporates over 3,000 mission-critical radios from Motorola Solutions. Among its features are encryption for secure communications, priority access on the network for emergency calls, and clear, continuous operation in underground areas where radio interference has often posed challenges. This infrastructure is also designed to accommodate anticipated expansions of the subway network, ensuring communications will remain robust as service grows.
"Investing in reliable communications is fundamental to operational efficiency and the delivery of safe and seamless service," said Elton Borgonovo, Vice President for Latin America and Caribbean Region at Motorola Solutions. "We are proud to provide a solution that meets the rigorous demands of Sao Paulo's public transport system, and can significantly improve the well-being and safety of its passengers and personnel every day."
Operational implications
The digital radio system is anticipated to benefit day-to-day subway operations by providing faster routing of emergency communications and strengthening coordination between control centres, maintenance teams, and train operators. Enhanced communications are considered critical for minimising service disruptions and for supporting the efficient handling of incidents.
The network's encrypted channels also contribute to security, reducing the risk of interference or unauthorised access. Clearer and more reliable audio quality in tunnels and other high-interference areas is an additional operational advantage, according to system specifications.
The São Paulo Subway's adoption of the P25 system corresponds with wider global trends of public transport organisations updating their communications infrastructure to support safety and efficiency. The system is also expected to scale with future demand and support any forthcoming technological enhancements.
