Driverless Metro Train Cuts Commute Time from 50 to 20 Minutes: Alstom’s New Achievement in Taiwan

Introduction to Alstom’s Fully Automated Train Project

French company Alstom has launched the first of 35 driverless, fully automated Metropolis trains for Taiwan’s upcoming Light Green Line metro system. This project aims to significantly reduce commute times, cutting the travel duration from 50 minutes to just 20 minutes on a 22.8 km (14-mile) route connecting New Taipei City with Taipei’s capital.

Train’s Journey and Unveiling in Taiwan

The debut of the new automated train took place at Jincheng Depot, located in the Tucheng District of New Taipei City. The train embarked on a long journey covering 18,000 km (11,187 miles) from its assembly plant in Brazil, passing through Singapore before finally arriving in Taiwan. Each train set consists of four stainless-steel cars, each having 26 seats. These four-car units can carry up to 700 passengers, with seating available for 108 people.

Enhancing Urban Mobility in Taipei

At the unveiling ceremony, Toby Tiberghien, Managing Director of Alstom East Asia, expressed his excitement over this milestone, stating that these automated trains would greatly improve urban mobility between Taipei and New Taipei City. The goal is to provide passengers with a faster, more efficient, and seamless travel experience.

Project Timeline and Costs

The Light Green Line, officially known as the Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin line, represents a significant investment of NTD 55.881 billion (approximately US$1.72 billion). This metro line has been under development for a decade and is divided into two main stages. The first phase includes nine stations along a 9.5 km (5.9-mile) stretch, slated to open by 2027. The second phase will add 13 more stations covering a 13.3 km (8.1-mile) route, expected to be fully operational by 2031.

Alstom and CTCI’s Collaboration

The project is a joint effort between Alstom and Taiwanese company CTCI, which focuses on engineering and contracting services. Together, they will deploy 35 driverless trains operating on the Light Green Line, enhancing the city’s public transportation network. Additionally, Alstom has secured another contract worth $760 million to provide infrastructure and 29 more automated trains for the Circular (Yellow) line, which is currently in progress.

Advanced Technology and Features

The Metropolis train models are designed to operate at a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph). They are equipped with Alstom’s Urbalis Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) driverless signaling system, as well as a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for efficient monitoring and management.

The trains designated for the Light Green Line will sport a distinctive light green color scheme, symbolizing the natural beauty of local scenic routes like the Sindian and Dahan Rivers. This design was chosen through a public competition held in 2021.

Boosting Connectivity and Economic Growth

Alstom’s President for the Asia Pacific region, Ling Fang, emphasized that this project is not just about building a metro line but also about enhancing connectivity, reducing travel time, and promoting sustainable urban living. This metro line will contribute to economic growth and development in the region by improving public transportation services.

Metro Line to Serve Rapidly Growing New Taipei City

New Taipei City, a rapidly growing region surrounding Taipei, benefits from relatively lower housing prices and living costs compared to the capital. With a population exceeding four million, the area has seen rapid public transport, housing, and commercial development over the last decade.

Future Plans and Expansion

The Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin line is set to be a game-changer in Taipei’s metro network. It will interchange with four other metro lines, offering commuters more options for traveling across the city. The extension of the line to Shulin and Huilong stations will further strengthen the connectivity between Taipei and New Taipei City.

In addition to the Light Green Line, Alstom’s ongoing projects include expanding the Circular Line (Yellow) and the Sanying Line (Light Blue), where Hitachi Rail Italy has already contributed 17 driverless electric trains and will provide 29 more units to complete the line.

Alstom’s Contribution to Taiwan‘s Public Transport

Alstom has been a key player in Taiwan’s public transportation sector for over 40 years. The company’s advanced signaling solutions are already installed across the Metro Taipei network. Alstom also introduced driverless metro systems to Taichung City and Kaohsiung City’s Citadis Tramway.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Sustainable Mobility

With over 50 years of experience in developing metro systems and more than 90 projects worldwide, Alstom continues to be a leader in providing sustainable, smart mobility solutions. The delivery of these driverless metro trains marks a major step forward in improving Taiwan’s public transport infrastructure. This project reflects Alstom’s commitment to supporting the global shift towards low-carbon and efficient urban mobility solutions.

The new driverless metro line is set to transform the daily commute for millions of residents, making travel faster, more comfortable, and eco-friendly. With its cutting-edge technology and focus on sustainable development, Alstom is setting a new standard for urban mobility in Taiwan and beyond.

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Key Highlights of the Project:

1. Cutting Commute Time Significantly:
   • The new driverless train system will reduce the journey from 50 minutes to just 20 minutes, offering a much faster travel option between New Taipei City and Taipei.
2. Large Passenger Capacity:
   • Each of the four-car trains can carry up to 700 passengers, which will help alleviate congestion on existing transport routes.
3. Integration with Existing Metro Lines:
   • The new Light Green Line will connect seamlessly with other metro lines, enhancing the overall efficiency of Taipei’s public transportation network.
4. Advanced Driverless Technology:
   • The use of Urbalis CBTC and SCADA systems ensures safe, efficient, and reliable driverless operations.
5. Sustainable Urban Development:
   • By promoting the use of public transport, the new line supports Taiwan’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable living environments.
6. Alstom’s Long-Term Commitment to Taiwan:
   • The successful launch of the Metropolis train reinforces Alstom’s dedication to improving Taiwan’s public transport systems and supporting the country’s urban development goals.

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