Alstom, as a part of FAST consortium — The FAST consortium includes FCC (leader), Samsung, Alstom, Strukton and Freyssinet Saudi Arabia — handed over to Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA) the first of the 69 metro trainsets for Riyadh that will circulate on the lines 4, 5 and 6. The production of the metro trainsets is well on track and Alstom has set to meet its deadline and deliver all the metro trainsets by end 2018.
ADA launched in 2013 a project to build a metro network that would be 176 km-long and include six lines and 85 stations. Alstom, as part of the Fast consortium, is in charge of supplying a full integrated metro system for lines 4, 5 and 6 (or Yellow, Green, and Purple lines). The metro system includes 69 Metropolis trainsets, as well as Urbalis, Alstom communication based train control (CBTC) signalling solution, the power supply and its energy recovery system Hesop.
Composed of two cars each, the Riyadh metro trainset is 36 meter-long and is able to accommodate up to 231 passengers. Each train features three classes: first, family and single class separated by a glass partition. The trains will offer passengers a high level of comfort, ergonomic seating, LED lightning and advanced passenger information systems. The interior and exterior aesthetical design has been developed as per ADA’s specific requirements. The exterior car body features painted stripes that indicate the color of the line the metro trainset will circulate on.
The metro trains are 100 percent motorized, allowing them to run on gradients of up to a 6 percent slope. The trains are designed to run on standard-gauge track at a top speed of 90 km/h. The trains have been designed with the region's climate in mind. One such feature is a more powerful air conditioning system, capable of delivering sufficient cooling capacity even in extreme heat. In addition, the bogies, traction drive, brakes and doors have been fitted with special elements in order to prevent the ingress of sand.
"We are pleased to hand over on time the first Metropolis trainset to ADA. This landmark project will allow Riyadh residents and visitors to commute aboard a reliable, comfortable and environmentally-friendly means of transport. Furthermore, Alstom is committed to be a close and long-time partner of the Kingdom to efficiently address its mobility needs and support in carrying out its upcoming transport projects” declared Gian Luca Erbacci, senior vice president for Middle East & Africa at Alstom.
The metro trainsets are produced in Alstom’s factory in Katowice, Poland.
