Rapid Transit System in South Africa to Include Intelligent Rail Security

June 4, 2007
Solution from March Networks and Bombardier to be delivered for Gauteng Province, South Africa

OTTAWA, May 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- March Networks(TM) (TSX:MN; AIM:MNW), a leading provider of IP-based video surveillance solutions, announced today that 96 new Electrostar cars for the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link in Gauteng Province, South Africa, will be equipped with the Bombardier SEKURFLO transit security solution. The video surveillance component of the SEKURFLO solution is jointly designed and developed by Bombardier Transportation and March Networks.

Encompassing 80 km of dual-lane track, the Gautrain will connect Johannesburg and Tshwane (Pretoria) with OR Tambo International Airport. It will begin operation in two phases, with the first slated for completion in June 2010, when the country will host the FIFA World Cup. The transportation system is expected to serve approximately 140,000 passengers daily by 2010.

The SEKURFLO solution will enable Gautrain personnel to monitor driver and passenger safety and deter theft and vandalism. It will also alert staff to potential emergencies and provide visual information to accelerate response. The solution combines video management platforms with onboard systems integration to ensure effective operation and lower cost of ownership.

"Designed for demanding applications in passenger rail environments, the SEKURFLO solution provides world-class rail systems such as the Gautrain with an intelligent rail security solution that promotes safety and operational efficiency," said Peter Strom, President and CEO of March Networks. "We are proud to be involved in this exciting project and will continue to collaborate with Bombardier to deliver sophisticated mobile security management to rail operators worldwide."