First South Island Line Train Arrives in Hong Kong

Image Courtesy of MTRr

MTR has taken delivery of the first of ten 3-car trains being manufactured for Hong Kongs new South Island Line by Chinese manufacturer Changchun Railway Vehicles Co.

MTR has been working closely with the manufacturer over the last two-and-a-half years since the order was placed to ensure the high quality of trains delivered for service. MTR staff are deployed on site at the manufacturers base in China to oversee the whole production process and a joint steering committee engages the suppliers top management to ensure key performance measures are met.

Widely Proven Rail Technology

To achieve a higher level of reliability and flexibility in train operations, the trains are designed with a Fully Automatic Operation system, a proven technology widely adopted in metro systems around the world.

The remaining trains will be delivered over the next few months with the tenth (and final) train scheduled for arrival in August 2014. The fleet will undergo a series of tests before they start to serve passengers in 2015, when the 7-kilometre South Island Line (East) is due to open.

Since 2009, MTR has put more than 350 new train sets into service.  Globally a total of 1,700 new units have entered service, in Hong Kong, Melbourne, China and the UK.

In the UK, since 2007, MTR and Deutsche Bahn operating as London Overground Rail Operations Limited (LOROL) have overseen the operation of Transport for Londons London Overground rail concession. Between 2009 and 2011 a total of 244 new carriages were introduced on this line. This was done whilst maintaining high levels of performance, with LOROL consistently one of the most punctual and highest regarded of the UK train operators.

MTR is currently bidding for Thameslink and Essex Thameside franchises, as well as the high profile Crossrail concession contract.  For each of the bids, a key role for the successful train operator would be to oversee the introduction of new or upgraded rolling stock.

Jay Walder, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation, said,

Were very excited to start taking delivery of the train fleet for the South Island Line (East). It not only signifies another important milestone for the railway project but also means we are closer to extending fast, convenient, world-class railway service to people living and working in Southern District, not to mention the millions who visit the many tourist attractions on the South side of Hong Kong Island each year,

Mr T C Chew, Projects Director of MTR Corporation, said:

The new train has already gone through a series of tests and travelled 5,000 kilometres on the test track at the manufacturers factory.  Rigorous static, dynamic and integrated tests will be conducted in Hong Kong in the coming months to make sure that the new train fleet is ready to serve on the South Island Line (East) with high performance in safety and operation.”