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Alstom Metropolis Saint-Laurent

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Alstom Metropolis Saint-Laurent
Exterior of Alstom Metropolis Saint-Laurent
Interior of Alstom Metropolis Saint-Laurent
In service2023–present
ManufacturerAlstom
AssemblySri City, Andhra Pradesh , India
Family nameMetropolis
Constructed2019–2021
Entered service31 July 2023 (2023-07-31)
Number built212 carriages (106 units)
Formation2-car units, 1–2 units per train
Capacity
  • 64 seated / 390 maximum (2-car)
  • 128 seated / 780 maximum (4-car)
OperatorsGroupe PMM (Alstom and SNC-Lavalin)
DepotsBrossard
Specifications
Car body constructionStainless steel
Train length38.1 m (125 ft) per unit
Car length19.05 m (62 ft 6 in) over coupler faces
Width2.94 m (9 ft 7+3⁄4 in)
Height3.9 m (12 ft 9+1⁄2 in) (excluding pantograph)
Doors3 per side, per car
Wheel diameter840–770 mm (33–30 in) (new–worn)[1]
Wheelbase
  • Bogie: 2,300 mm (7 ft 6+1⁄2 in)
  • 14,910 mm (48 ft 11 in) (between outer axles)
Maximum speed100 km/h (62 mph) (design)
90 km/h (56 mph) (service)[2]
Weight232 t (228 long tons; 256 short tons), 2 units
Axle load14.5 t (14.3 long tons; 16.0 short tons)[1]
Traction motorsAlstom 4LCA 2138[3] (4 × 185 kW (248 hp) each)
Power output
  • 740 kW (990 hp) per car
  • 1,480 kW (1,980 hp) per unit
Electric system(s)Overhead line, 1,500 V DC
Current collector(s)Pantograph
UIC classificationBo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′ (one unit)
BogiesAlstom B23[1]
Braking system(s)Air
Safety system(s)Fully automated (GoA4) using Alstom Urbalis 400 moving block CBTC
Coupling systemDellner
SeatingLongitudinal
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Notes/references
[4]

The Alstom Metropolis Saint-Laurent is a type of light metro train built by Alstom for the Réseau express métropolitain. Part of the Alstom Metropolis family, the initial order consisted of 106 two-car trains that were built in Sri City, India. The trains are fully automated (GoA4) with no driver or attendant on board the train. Trains run as a single two-car train at quieter times and as paired four-car trainsets during rush hour.

History

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Procurement

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In June 2016, CDPQ Infra launched a public tender for "Rolling Stock, Systems and Operation and Maintenance Services" ("Fourniture du Matériel Roulant, de Systèmes de conduite automatique et de Services d'Exploitation et de Maintenance" (MRSEM) in French).[5][6] This contract would include the delivery of rolling stock, automatic signalling, a control centre for the line, as well as operation and maintenance for a period of 30 years.[7]

Following a pre-qualification phase, CDPQ Infra announced on 10 November 2016, that three companies and consortia could place a bid:[8]

On 8 February 2018, CDPQ Infra announced that Groupe des Partenaires pour la Mobilité des Montréalais (Alstom and SNC-Lavalin O&M) had been selected for the $2.8-billion MRSEM contract,[9][10] with the contract award taking place in April 2018.[7] As part of the contract, Alstom would deliver 212 Alstom Metropolis cars, forming 106 two-car trains.[7]

Design and construction

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In 2018, a public consultation took place regarding the external design of the trains. Three designs were offered, inspired by Mount Royal, Expo 67 and the Champlain Bridge.[11][12] The final design was unveiled in March 2019, with the Saint-Laurent design chosen by the public, with front lights inspired by the Champlain Bridge.[13][14]

Alstom announced the trains would be manufactured at their Sri City plant in India, as manufacturing the trains in India allowed them to offer a lower price.[15][16] This decision drew backlash in Quebec due to the lack of local content requirements.[16]

The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) provincial party was among those who desired at least parts of the contract to be awarded to Bombardier Transportation's factory in La Pocatière, Quebec, instead of to Alstom.[17] Leader of CAQ François Legault criticised the government for not supporting Quebec industry, and stated that at least 25 percent of the contract should have had Quebec content, similar to provisions in Ontario.[17] Premier Philippe Couillard argued that CDPQ Infra were awarding the contracts for the project, not the government.[18] Alstom argued that over 65 percent of the $2.8-billion contract value would be spent in Quebec – including platform screen doors, a control centre and 30 years of operation and maintenance.[16]

Completed trains were transported from India to Montreal by ship, with the first arriving in October 2020.[19] They were first unveiled in November 2020.[20][21] Initial trains delivered had quality issues;[22] however, CDPQ Infra reported by December 2021 that the issues had been resolved.[23] By November 2021, 37 of the 106 trains had been delivered and trains were undergoing testing.[24] As of September 2023, 87 of the 106 trains had been delivered.[25]

Entry into service

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The Alstom Metropolis Saint-Laurent[26] entered service on 31 July 2023, with the opening of the first five stations of the REM network.[27][28] In April 2024, CDPQ Infra announced that they would run two-car trains on weekends and other off-peak periods instead of four-car trains, thereby reducing energy consumption and wear on the vehicles.[29]

Features

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Each two-car train seats 64 passengers, with standing capacity for around 300. A four-car trainset can carry a maximum of 780 people at rush hour.[30] The livery is white, grey, and bright green, matching the REM logo.

The trains have large front windows, allowing passengers to take in views from the front of the train.[31] A dedicated space for wheelchair users is available, and the trains features WiFi, air conditioning and heated floors.[31] CDPQ Infra indicated it is "confident that the trains ... will be able to withstand ... winter conditions", with the trains featuring double glazing, ice scraping pantographs and heated automatic couplings.[32][33]

The trains use Alstom's Urbalis 400 communications-based train control signalling system that ensures trains are capable of driving and operating automatically at all times without a driver or attendant on board. The system controls doors, handles obstacle detection and deals with emergency situations.[34]

The trains are operated and controlled at the Centre d'entretien et de contrôle du REM, close to Brossard station. The trains are also maintained at the Brossard facility. When the REM is completed, light maintenance and storage of the trains will also take place at a facility in Deux-Montagnes.[35]

Comparison with Montreal Metro trains

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Compared to the Azur trains used on the Montreal Metro, the REM trains use steel wheels rather than rubber tires, are 17 percent wider, are faster – with a top speed of 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph) on the Champlain Bridge – and are fully automated.[30][31] However, the REM trains are shorter and can carry fewer passengers per trainset, although the REM has the ability to increase capacity to meet demand.[30][31] The REM trains are also exposed to the weather, unlike the fully underground metro system.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Alstom Bogies Catalogue 2015 – English" (PDF). Alstom. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 September 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  2. ^ Grescoe, Taras. "Mon excursion à bord du REM". L'actualité. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  3. ^ "Alstom Motors Catalogue 2015 – English" (PDF). Alstom. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 June 2018. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  4. ^ "Rolling stock". REM. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
  5. ^ "Ingénierie, Approvisionnement et Construction des infrastructures du Réseau Électrique Métropolitain de Montréal" [Engineering, Procurement and Construction of Infrastructure "Réseau Électrique Métropolitain" of Montréal] (PDF) (in French). 28 June 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 August 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  6. ^ "Fourniture du Matériel Roulant, de Systèmes et de Services d'Exploitation et de Maintenance du Réseau Électrique Métropolitain de Montréal" [Supply of rolling stock, Systems and Services Operation and Maintenance of "Réseau Électrique Métropolitain" from Montreal] (PDF) (in French). 28 June 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 August 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  7. ^ a b c "Alstom-led consortium to provide complete driverless light metro system for Montreal". Alstom. 12 April 2018. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  8. ^ "Appel de qualification : résultats" [Call for qualifications: results] (PDF) (in French). 10 November 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 November 2016. Retrieved 11 November 2016.;
  9. ^ "Main partners". REM.info. Retrieved 1 March 2018.
  10. ^ "REM: les offres finales des soumissionnaires déposées aujourd'hui" [New timetable, new route and new name for the REM] (in French). 8 February 2018. Retrieved 8 February 2018.
  11. ^ "Consultation on the REM design". REM. 2018. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  12. ^ "Consultation on the REM design". rem.info. 2018-07-12. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  13. ^ "Discover the REM's metro cars". rem.info. 2019-03-29. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  14. ^ "Reveal of Alstom's Metropolis vehicle for Greater Montreal's Réseau express métropolitain". Alstom. 1 April 2019. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  15. ^ Anand, N. (2020-12-12). "Alstom's India unit keeps metro trains across the globe rolling". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
  16. ^ a b c "Les trains du REM seront construits en Inde" [REM trains will be built in India]. Radio-Canada (in French). 12 April 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  17. ^ a b "La CAQ renégocierait le contrat du REM" [The CAQ would renegotiate the REM contract]. Radio-Canada (in French). 22 February 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  18. ^ "Pas de seuil de contenu québécois pour le REM : Couillard se défend" [No Quebec content threshold for the REM: Couillard defends himself]. Radio-Canada (in French). 15 February 2018.
  19. ^ "Arrival of the first REM cars | October 2020 | REM". rem.info. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  20. ^ "The first REM car unveiled in Montreal". Alstom. 16 November 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  21. ^ "First REM light metro trainset unveiled in Montréal". Railway Gazette International. 17 November 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  22. ^ Gerbet, Thomas; Leiser, Mathiew; Gacon, Alexis (12 November 2021). "Défauts, risques de blessures : les trains du REM ne sont « pas au niveau attendu »" [Defects, risk of injury: REM trains are “not at the expected level”]. Radio‑Canada (in French). Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  23. ^ Tomesco, Frédéric (14 Dec 2021). "REM rail cars will be delivered on time with initial flaws fixed: Alstom". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  24. ^ "Follow-up on cars and dynamic tests | REM". rem.info. 17 November 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  25. ^ "Update Réseau express métropolitain Media presentation September 2023" (PDF). Réseau express métropolitain. September 2023. p. 7. Retrieved 4 October 2023. 86 trains out of a total of 106 have already been delivered
  26. ^ Stang, Ron (10 August 2021). "Montreal REM light rail system moves toward summer 2022 debut". Trains.com. Retrieved 6 May 2023. The REM's Saint-Laurent equipment is based on Alstom's Metropolis platform
  27. ^ "Le REM ouvert au public le 31 juillet" [The REM opened to the public on July 31]. La Presse (in French). 7 July 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
  28. ^ Magder, Jason (28 July 2023). "And they're off: REM starts shuttling people across Montreal area". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  29. ^ "REM to deploy shorter trains during off-peak periods". CTV Montreal. 2024-04-18. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
  30. ^ a b c Riga, Andy (21 March 2023). "Montreal's much-delayed REM almost ready to roll, officials say". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  31. ^ a b c d "Five things to keep in mind regarding REM cars". rem.info. 16 November 2020. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
  32. ^ "REM trains will withstand Montreal winters, planners promise". Montreal Gazette. 19 March 2019. Retrieved 18 May 2023. "We're very confident that the trains we ordered will be able to withstand our winter conditions," said Mack Tall, the president and chief executive officer for CDPQ Infra, which is managing the project.
  33. ^ "The REM And The Challenges Of Winter". rem.info. 2023-11-09. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
  34. ^ "Montreal Unveils first Alstom REM Car". www.metro-magazine.com. 16 November 2020. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
  35. ^ Lampron, Alexandre (24 July 2020). "Le cerveau du REM sera situé sur la Rive-Sud" [The brain of the REM will be located on the South Shore]. Reflet (in French). Retrieved 25 April 2024.
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