Alstom Metropolis C751A
Encyclopedia
The Alstom Metropolis C751A are the first generation of communication-based train control (CBTC) rolling stock
that has been in use in Singapore
’s Mass Rapid Transit
(MRT) lines since 2003. Alstom
was contracted in 1997 and 1998 (as C751A) by the Land Transport Authority
(LTA
) in Singapore to supply for its North East Line
in 2003.
The automated system version, previously known as “moving block systems”, CBTC systems do not require traditional "fixed-block track circuits" for determining train position. Instead, they rely on "continuous two-way digital communication" between each controlled train and a wayside control center, which may control an area of a railroad line, a complete line, or a group of lines. Recent studies consistently show that CBTC systems reduce life-cycle costs for the overall rail property and enhance operational flexibility and control.
A development in Singapore's MRT history, the six-car trains on the North East Line are powered by overhead catenary, in contrast to the train cars on all the other operating lines prior to this, which are powered by a third rail
. This was partially because authorities consider overhead wires to be unsightly and it does not allow for trains to be powered using this method on elevated lines. Since this line is the first to be fully underground in Singapore, the authorities had a choice between powering the trains on this line by overhead catenary or third rail. An overhead catenary power supply was decided upon. This is also the first time in the history of Singapore's MRT history that the seats in every compartment of the train are made up of the same colours. 25 trainsets of six cars each were purchased for the North East Line. In addition, due to its driverless configuration, it is a unique type of train where there are windows at the front and back of the train, giving passengers an impressive view as the train speeds through the tunnel. LTA says that they are adding 12 new trains for the North East Line
within 5-6 years time.
by the rail operator, SBS Transit
. The car numbers of the trains range from 7x001 to 7x050, where x depends on the carriage type. Because not to confuse with the serial numbers of Kawasaki Heavy Industries & Nippon Sharyo C751B, a 7 will be placed together with the other 4 digits.
So for example an Alstom Metropolis C751A on the NEL(in this case, 001/002), would consist of serial numbers 71001, 72001, 73001, 73002, 72002, 71002.
Rolling stock
Rolling stock comprises all the vehicles that move on a railway. It usually includes both powered and unpowered vehicles, for example locomotives, railroad cars, coaches and wagons...
that has been in use in Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
’s Mass Rapid Transit
Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)
The Mass Rapid Transit or MRT is a rapid transit system that forms the backbone of the railway system in Singapore, spanning the entire city-state. The initial section of the MRT, between Yio Chu Kang Station and Toa Payoh Station, opened in 1987 establishing itself as the second-oldest metro...
(MRT) lines since 2003. Alstom
Alstom
Alstom is a large multinational conglomerate which holds interests in the power generation and transport markets. According to the company website, in the years 2010-2011 Alstom had annual sales of over €20.9 billion, and employed more than 85,000 people in 70 countries. Alstom's headquarters are...
was contracted in 1997 and 1998 (as C751A) by the Land Transport Authority
Land Transport Authority
The Land Transport Authority is a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport of the Singapore Government.-History:...
(LTA
LTA
LTA may refer to*Leave Travel Concession in India*Land Transport Authority in Singapore*Land Trust Alliance in the United States*Lawn Tennis Association in the United Kingdom*Lieutenant*Lighter than air*Lipoteichoic acid*Lost time accident...
) in Singapore to supply for its North East Line
North East MRT Line
The North East MRT Line is the third Mass Rapid Transit line in Singapore and the world's second longest fully underground, automated and driverless, rapid transit line after Singapore's Circle MRT Line. The line is 20 km long with 16 stations and operated by SBS Transit. Travelling from one end...
in 2003.
The automated system version, previously known as “moving block systems”, CBTC systems do not require traditional "fixed-block track circuits" for determining train position. Instead, they rely on "continuous two-way digital communication" between each controlled train and a wayside control center, which may control an area of a railroad line, a complete line, or a group of lines. Recent studies consistently show that CBTC systems reduce life-cycle costs for the overall rail property and enhance operational flexibility and control.
Third rail
A third rail is a method of providing electric power to a railway train, through a semi-continuous rigid conductor placed alongside or between the rails of a railway track. It is used typically in a mass transit or rapid transit system, which has alignments in its own corridors, fully or almost...
. This was partially because authorities consider overhead wires to be unsightly and it does not allow for trains to be powered using this method on elevated lines. Since this line is the first to be fully underground in Singapore, the authorities had a choice between powering the trains on this line by overhead catenary or third rail. An overhead catenary power supply was decided upon. This is also the first time in the history of Singapore's MRT history that the seats in every compartment of the train are made up of the same colours. 25 trainsets of six cars each were purchased for the North East Line. In addition, due to its driverless configuration, it is a unique type of train where there are windows at the front and back of the train, giving passengers an impressive view as the train speeds through the tunnel. LTA says that they are adding 12 new trains for the North East Line
North East MRT Line
The North East MRT Line is the third Mass Rapid Transit line in Singapore and the world's second longest fully underground, automated and driverless, rapid transit line after Singapore's Circle MRT Line. The line is 20 km long with 16 stations and operated by SBS Transit. Travelling from one end...
within 5-6 years time.
Information System
- 2 Visual Passenger Information System or VPIS installed in each train cars. These displays are capable of displaying the name of the next station, current station, door closing messages and occasionally the date and the time.
- 6 Liquid Displays Displays or LCDs are installed at the overhead panel in each train cars showing advertisements. These show rail travel information of the next station & terminating station, silent commercials and movie trailers and safety videos. As of today, the units on the C751A have stopped showing commercials due to lack of demand.
Serial number
Individual cars are given a five-digit serial numberSerial number
A serial number is a unique number assigned for identification which varies from its successor or predecessor by a fixed discrete integer value...
by the rail operator, SBS Transit
SBS Transit
SBS Transit Limited is a public transport operator in Singapore. Its major competitor in Singapore's duopoly transport system is SMRT Corporation, which also operates bus, rail, taxi and other transport services....
. The car numbers of the trains range from 7x001 to 7x050, where x depends on the carriage type. Because not to confuse with the serial numbers of Kawasaki Heavy Industries & Nippon Sharyo C751B, a 7 will be placed together with the other 4 digits.
- 1st digit will be always 7
- 2nd digit either 1, 2 or 3 knowing 1st, 2nd or 3rd car.
- 3rd digit will be always 0.
- 4th and final 5th digit will be from 01 to 50, as the train identification number.
So for example an Alstom Metropolis C751A on the NEL(in this case, 001/002), would consist of serial numbers 71001, 72001, 73001, 73002, 72002, 71002.