Technological evolution has allowed important advances in terms of mobility, with more efficient alternatives that make citizens’ daily lives easier. In yet another example of this impact, an automated, driverless train was inaugurated, which will reduce journeys from 50 to 20 minutes.
The first of 35 fully automated Metropolis trains from French company Alstom debuted in Taiwan.
When completed, the 22.8km fully automated line will reduce the current travel time between New Taipei City and the capital Taipei by 30 minutes.
Made of stainless steel and with four carriages, the train was assembled in Brazil and later presented at the Jincheng Depot, in the Tucheng district, in the city of New Taipei.
The four 26-seater carriages will have the capacity to carry 700 passengers (108 seated) along the new underground and overhead Light Green Line, which connects downtown Taipei to New Taipei City.
We are very pleased to deliver the first fully automated Metropolis train for the Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin line. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to improving Taiwan's urban mobility.
Toby Tiberghien, managing director of Alstom East Asia, told the media at the launch ceremony, adding that "our state-of-the-art trains will significantly improve connectivity between Taipei and New Taipei City, providing passengers with a more efficient and hassle-free travel experience." discontinuities".
The Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin line, also known as the Light Green Line, has been in preparation for a decade, with the first phase, with nine stations and 9.5 km, expected to open in 2027. Meanwhile, the second phase, with 13 stations and 13.3 km, it is expected to be operational in 2031.
At this moment, the Hitachi Rail Italy has already supplied 17 driverless electric trains for the first phase of the line and will add 29 to the Sanying (Light Blue) line project, which is 80% complete, in New Taipei City.
Driverless trains promise more speed
The Metropolis models reach a top speed of 100 km/h and will work in conjunction with Urbalis Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) driverless signaling system from Alstom and with the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
With the Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line, we are not just building a subway line; we are improving connectivity, reducing travel times and promoting sustainable urban living.
This project is a significant step in our commitment to improving public transportation and promoting economic growth in the communities we serve.
Said Alstom Asia-Pacific President Ling Fang.
New Taipei City is a large region surrounding Taipei's business center and is a rapidly growing area with favorable housing prices and a generally lower cost of living compared to Taiwan's capital.
Source: pplware.sapo.pt
