Alstom Metropolis C830

Alstom Metropolis C830
Front of C830 train
Front of C830 train
In service May 2009 – Present
Manufacturer Alstom
Constructed 2006 – 2008
Number built 120 Vehicles (40 trainsets)
Formation 3 cars per trainset
Mc1–Tc–Mc2
Fleet number 801 – 840
Operators SMRT Trains
Depot(s) Kim Chuan
Line(s) served Circle Line
Technical Data
Car body Welded aluminium
Doors 8 per car
Electrification 750 V DC third rail
Track gauge Standard Gauge (1435mm)

The Alstom Metropolis C830 is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train operating on the Circle Line (CCL). Entering service in 2009, these were the Circle Line’s first generation of rolling stock.

Fourty trainsets comprising three cars each were procured. They were manufactured from 2006 to 2008 by Alstom S.A. in Valenciennes, France. The C830 trains were also the second train type in Singapore to utilize communication-based train control (CBTC) after the Alstom Metropolis C751A.


Background

Contract 830 (C830) for the procurement of rolling stock called for of 40 trainsets of three cars each. It was awarded to Alstom S.A. of France, where they were built in Valenciennes, France.

The trains were built as part of Alstom’s Metropolis family of urban EMU trains. They draw power from a 750 V DC bottom-contact third rail, similarly used on the North-South and East-West Lines. Despite being highly similar to the fully-underground North East Line, the 1500 V DC overhead catenary was not chosen. Running on Alstom’s Urbalis 300 CBTC system, these trains are fully automated (ATO GoA 4) and do not require an attendant on board.

Each 3-car train comprises of two Motor Cars (Mc1 and Mc2) at each end and an unpowered Trailer Car (Tc) in the middle.


History

These trains entered revenue service on 28 May 2009 with the opening of the Circle Line (Stage 3) between Bartley and Marymount.

A successful trial to install additional three rows of handgrips at the centre of train cars eventually led to fleet-wide implementation.


Current Design

The exterior of C830 trains was black, with a lower red band running the length of the train. The front of the train was sloped to create a streamlined look. Small viewing windows at each end allow passengers a view of the tunnel.

All C830 trains are comprised of three cars with open gangway connections between all cars. Each car has eight doors, four on each side. The interior features longitudinal seating in a different color scheme within each car, namely maroon, blue and green from front to rear. Priority seats are located in every car, near the doors. Trains were also fitted with a Visual Passenger Information System (VPIS), with ceiling-mounted LED textual displays. LCD screens, formerly fitted to C751A trains were no longer supplied. Two Wheelchair Bays are located in the middle two cars of every C830 train, at doors 5 and 8.

Emergency Exits are located at both ends of every train, with a ramp that can be deployed in an emergency. Within the cabin, Emergency Communication Buttons (integrated with Door Unlock Handles) are located at the side of the train doors, enabling passengers to speak with staff or open the train doors in an emergency. Fire extinguishers are also placed in every car.


Train Formation

A three-car trainset is formed of two Motor Cars (Mc1 and Mc2) at each end and an unpowered Trailer Car (Tc) in the middle. As such, the running configuration of a C830 trainset is Mc1–Tc–Mc2. 40 trainsets are operated on the line, a total of 120 carriages.

Every car is identified by a four digit number ranging from 801x to 840x, where the last digit x is carriage identifier. Motor Car 1 uses 1, followed by the middle Trailer Car using 2 and the last Motor Car 2 using 3. Trainsets are identified by their first three digits, i.e. Set 801, Set 802 and on to Set 840.

As such, a sample Set 840 will contain the carriage numbers 8401-8402-8403. Depending on the direction of travel, the sequence may be reversed. All sets were built by Alstom.


Accidents & Incidents


Gallery


External Links & References

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