World Transit Systems Random Discussion Thread

[FamousNYLover 578]

 

 

[FamousNYLover 578]

 

[GojiMet86 4,971]

The new Alstom cars for the new Montreal Réseau express métropolitain (REM) system:

https://www.facebook.com/ALSTOM

 

[XcelsiorBoii4888 1,445]

On 11/16/2020 at 7:28 PM, GojiMet86 said:

The new Alstom cars for the new Montreal Réseau express métropolitain (REM) system:

https://www.facebook.com/ALSTOM

 

These new Alstom trains look amazing! Everyone is joining the automation wave. I neee to look up the Montreal REM because I've never heard of it. 

[Lex 1,186]

On 11/16/2020 at 7:28 PM, GojiMet86 said:

The new Alstom cars for the new Montreal Réseau express métropolitain (REM) system:

https://www.facebook.com/ALSTOM

 

The livery and doors made me think of Medellin. (No, I've never been to Colombia, but I've seen a few videos.)

[GojiMet86 4,971]

This is a RFW video from the London Crossrail project, which is in its testing phase. The new line (to be called the Elizabeth line) runs west to east across London. The project has had its fair share of delays and overruns, but it will be a very important link, or at least might have been if COVID hadn't hit.

 

 

 

 

[Missabassie 744]

The JR East Sobu (Rapid) & Yokosuka line E235-1000 are finally in service.

 

 

 

Edited December 23, 2020 by Missabassie

[GojiMet86 4,971]

https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/blog/2021/01/04/london-underground-runs-first-tube-trains-on-the-northern-line-extension/
 

Quote

 

London Underground runs first tube trains on the Northern line extension

Posted on 4th January 2021

Tube trains have made their first test trips along the Northern line extension to Battersea over the Christmas break.

The Northern line passenger trains entered the new 3.2km tunnels at Kennington, travelling through the newly constructed step-plate junction that connects the existing Northern line tunnels to the extension. The trains then continued to Nine Elms Tube station before arriving at the extension’s second new station at Battersea Power Station. They then turned around using the new crossover junction to complete the journey back to Kennington.

Battery-powered engineering trains have travelled through the Northern Line extension since last Summer, but this was the first trial of a powered passenger train down the tunnels.

Stuart Harvey, TfL’s Director of Major Projects, said: “Seeing a Northern line train travelling through the extension for the first time is a really significant milestone and demonstrates the commitment of our brilliant team who have been working so hard during such a challenging year.”

Work to finish the extension is now focused on completing necessary signalling software upgrades and the fit-out of the two new stations – at Nine Elms and Battersea. The extension was due to open last year remains on target for its revised completion in the autumn of this year.

The £1.2 billion extension is being funded by a mix of developer contributions and borrowing against future business rates to be collected from the Nine Elms Enterprise Zone that was set up in 2016 and due to exist for 25 years.

 

 

[GojiMet86 4,971]

I came across these maps on reddit. They represent the 2035 planned urban rail transit network for the Pearl River Delta in China, which is often considered a megalopolis. This area consists of the cities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Huizhou, Zhaoqing, Hong Kong, and Macau. According to wikipedia, this area has a population of 63,724,157, which is almost eight times the amount that New York City has!

According to the translation:

Black- 普线 (地铁): General Line (Metro)

Green- 快线 (地铁): Fast Line (Metro)

Red- 市域快线 (地铁): City Express Lines (Metro)

Blue- 珠三角城际: Pearl River Delta Intercity Lines

Yellow- 国铁: National Railway Lines (HSR + Regular Trunk Lines)

 

[XcelsiorBoii4888 1,445]

As some of you may be aware, Paris is undergoing one of the largest transportation projects known the Grand Paris Express (GPE). Included are 4 new automated lines, conversion of one line into automation, and five extensions within 4 existing lines (Line 1, 4, 11 and 14).

Line 14 is currently undergoing two simultaneous extensions due in 2024, but as of Dec 2020, the line was extended slightly north for the time being. MP14 are the new rubber-tired train-sets due to dominate the MP fleet of Paris soon, with service to Lines 1, 4, 11 and 14 all due by 2024. Line 14 already has 5 sets in service, and line 4 has one in test.

 

Below is a video demonstrating the MP14 action on Line 14. These trains are 8 cars long (a first ever for Paris metro). The existing stations were designed to accommodate 8 car trains for future capacity if needed, but before Oct 2020 they were only running 6 car trains.

The video is in French, so I've translated the text for easy comprehension.

Intro: So for a few months, the MP14 have been running on line 14. This new material gradually replaces all the MP89 and MP05 of the line (current MP89/MP05 trains to go to Line 4 (with 20 additional MP14s), Line 4 trains to go to Line 6 (shortened to 5 cars from 6), Line 6 trains to be scrapped. Line 11 current trains to be scrapped in favor of MP14s.

The arrival of the MP14 on line 14 is not easy; this material is totally different from the previous ones. It therefore requires improvements in all the stations of the line to be able to be put into service.

1. Platform Screen Doors 1:05-2:04

The doors at the end of the stations are now lit in red when there is no MP14 at the doors or on the approach, as indicated on each of the platform doors (doors served by long trains) they therefore light up in white when an MP14 is approaching (just after the departure of the previous train) then resume their red lighting after the departure, unless the following train is also an mp14, in which case the doors will remain lit in white.

2. Information Screens 2:06-2:24

The information screens display the length/arrival of the next two trains (long train is MP14) The display of this information therefore goes hand in hand with the landing doors. However, it is not yet available in all stations.

3. The Length of the Platforms 2:26-2:58

Here we see this MP14 using the location of the platform that the MP89/MP05 does not use. This is possible thanks to its length of 8 cars, compared to that of MP89/MP05 which is 6 cars.

4. Saint-Lazare 3:00-4:06

Saint-Lazare is a special case. it is the only station whose platforms have not been fitted out along their entire length from the start. The remaining portion of the doors were therefore upgraded last year. This area before was inaccessible and walled off to travelers even, but even now there are still some final touches to be made (the tiling on the
ground does not follow the pattern of the rest of the doors and remains to be completed). This is also the case on the two platforms of the station. The information screens are only present on the platform direction towards the Olympiades. The other platform, having been the original terminal of the line, still does not have information screens to this
day. The switch that previously allowed trains to turn around is located inside the station, instead of being located outside it, (due to the station originally being only 6 cars in length. With the arrival of the MP14 and although not used to turn trains around during regular operations, this can be a problem if trains need to turn around at Saint Lazare, due to the train not aligning properly into the station, therefore, this switch will be permanently out of service, and perhaps converted to straight track.

5. MP14 Interior 4:08-5:18

Information screens are present throughout the train. Include on the screens: the time, the direction of the train, the next stations, the estimated travel time for the most important stations on the line, a map of the line represented in Paris, connections to the next station, and finally the large display of the next station, with locations of the exits along the platforms synchronized with the arriving voice announcement. A dynamic map of stations is visible above each door, the doors also present the novelty of emitting a sound when they open (not counting the squealing from the new platform doors). The doors closing alarm is just as unusual for a Paris Metro train, the chime is accompanied by an orange lighting reminiscent of that of the landing doors of line 4.

Various Stations along Line 14, catching the MP14 in Action.

5:31-6:51 - Olympiades (Southern Terminal until 2024)
6:52-9:28 - Bibliotheque Francois Mitterrand
9:29-9:54 - Cour Saint-Emilion
9:55-10:40 - Bercy
10:41-13:09 - Chatelet
13:10-16:18 - Mairie de Saint-Ouen (Northern Terminal until 2024)

 

 

By 2027, Paris will have 19 Metro lines (Lines 1-19), with 7 automated lines (Lines 1,4,14-18).

 

[GojiMet86 4,971]

Look at that Milan Metro ATM rolling stock!

 

The thumbnail is reversed, so it says MTA, but really it's ATM.

 

[GojiMet86 4,971]

VDL Bus & Coach (based in the Netherlands) unveiled a new generation of VDL Citea electric buses.

https://www.vdlbuscoach.com/en/news/archive/new-generation-of-electric-vdl-citeas-focus-on-sustainability-and-the-local-supply-chain

https://www.vdlbuscoach.com/en/news/archive/new-generation-of-vdl-citeas-developed-from-scratch-into-an-innovative-product-range

 

Quote

 

NEW GENERATION OF VDL CITEAS: DEVELOPED FROM SCRATCH INTO AN INNOVATIVE PRODUCT RANGE

Batteries in the floor, a one-piece composite side wall, clever energy management, a sophisticated climate control system and an ergonomic driver's environment. With these five important innovations, VDL Bus & Coach introduces the new generation of Citeas product range, consisting of four length variants and five types. 

"The development of the new generation Citeas gave us the opportunity to integrate the latest high-tech technologies in the most efficient way possible," explains Alex de Jong, Business Manager Public Transport of VDL Bus & Coach. "We started completely from scratch, focusing on zero emissions. We took the ideal layout of the vehicle as a starting point. An optimal seat layout and passenger flow, combined with optimal weight distribution, were essential to the development. We also decided at that stage to integrate the standard batteries into the floor. The objective of this is to reduce the centre of gravity and optimise the weight distribution and allocation of all necessary components." 

Zero emissions: next level
The new Citea generation is based entirely on an electric drive train. When developing such an e-vehicle, you are no longer tied to certain fixed locations of components that you had to take into account before, such as the position of the combustion engine. De Jong: "For us, it was clear that the next step of a zero emission public transport bus needed new technologies and a new way of thinking. The experiences in both the bus sector and in e-mobility are combined. The customer is offered an optimal platform, while negative factors such as limited range, fewer passengers and a higher total cost of ownership of ZE vehicles are eliminated.” 

Over 100 million e-miles of experience
During the development of the new generation of Citeas, a great deal of data provided many factual insights, all based on more than 100 million electric kilometres driven. Since 2015, VDL Bus & Coach has also been conducting market research in order to gain a better understanding of the future of mobility, which also includes interviewing key European stakeholders. 

"Our customers will be excited by the fact that the range per day is no longer limited, that the number of passengers is even higher than the standard for diesel buses and that the TCO for most operations is lower than that for diesel buses. In addition, we have done everything possible to enthuse the driver about the ergonomic driver's cabin and the safety-enhancing systems. Passengers will experience levels of comfort and an ambience that are very balanced, as the interior design is based on modern public spaces and mobility systems. In this way, the innovative design also contributes to the greater goal of a liveable city, where residents will benefit from clean air and reduced noise." 

Range of up to 600 kilometres
The new Citeas will be built in four length variants: 12.2 metres (Low Floor and Low Entry), 13.5 metres (LE), 14.9 metres (LE) and 18.1 metres (LF). The 13.5-metre version has two axles, which can compete with a three-axle unit in terms of seating capacity. The range of the new generation of Citeas has improved significantly: all vehicles can cover a distance of 500 to 600 kilometres during their entire period of use. A battery capacity of 490 kWh is possible on a 12.2-metre VDL Citea. 

VDL Bus & Coach is thus responding to the standards demanded in city and regional transport today: in metropolitan areas, the Citeas are capable of 24-hour operation, and on regional lines, which are increasingly being electrified, routes of up to 100 kilometres and daily services of 600 kilometres are no longer an exception. 

Batteries in the floor
The standard battery pack of the new Citea generation is integrated into the floor. The absence of batteries in the passenger compartment ensures optimal passenger flow and maximises the number of seats. By placing the batteries in the floor, the centre of gravity of the bus is lower, which makes road handling more stable. Ride comfort for the driver and passengers has also been significantly improved. This also reduces the weight of the vehicle. 

Composite sidewall
A new feature is the side wall, which is built in one piece and developed by VDL itself. This composite sidewall brings about a considerable weight reduction. This causes less vibration and filters the sound coming from outside. In addition, it leads to less energy consumption. The innovative composite side panel construction is 15% lighter than a conventional side panel. Furthermore, the introduction of this composite sidewall has both greatly improved the insulation of the bus and significantly reduced the consumption of the climate control system. There are also no more cold bridges in the side wall. This leads to more comfort for the passengers. 

Climate control system
Because there is no such thing as an ideal temperature for all passengers, the new Citea has different climate zones, which contribute to reduced energy consumption while optimising comfort. The driver can create his or her own thermal zone by means of an additional cab heater, which supplies warm air around the legs and torso. This allows the driver to set his or her own comfortable temperature from 17 to 27 degrees. In order to be able to set different climate zones in the new generation of Citeas, VDL Bus & Coach has developed its own heat pump system. This ensures the right temperature at the various locations in the vehicle. 60% of the heat comes from the floor. 

Energy management
The use of double-glazing, which is standard in the new Citea, has reduced energy consumption by 10%. This greatly improves insulation performance, so that less cold is radiated from the inside of the windows, noise from outside is damped and less condensation occurs. This results in considerably more comfort for the passenger. Overall energy consumption has fallen by around 25%. In addition to double glazing, this is achieved through smart software, the driveline, climate control system, aerodynamics and weight reduction, among other things. 

Ergonomic driver environment
In the new generation of Citeas, not only has the driver's seating position been greatly improved, but so has the steering column with a larger adjustment range and lower steering forces for optimal comfort, based on the modern technology used in the automotive industry. For the driver, there are flexible and extensive adjustment possibilities and sufficient storage space. Choosing the desired pedal arrangement is also a novelty. Research results show that a lot of time and energy has been spent improving vehicle-driver interaction and safety systems. Future developments in payment systems and autonomous driving were also anticipated.

 

 

[XcelsiorBoii4888 1,445]

On 5/29/2021 at 10:59 PM, GojiMet86 said:

VDL Bus & Coach (based in the Netherlands) unveiled a new generation of VDL Citea electric buses.

https://www.vdlbuscoach.com/en/news/archive/new-generation-of-electric-vdl-citeas-focus-on-sustainability-and-the-local-supply-chain

https://www.vdlbuscoach.com/en/news/archive/new-generation-of-vdl-citeas-developed-from-scratch-into-an-innovative-product-range

 

 

These buses look GORGEOUS. European buses always look so exotic. 

[GojiMet86 4,971]

An Alexander Dennis Enviro200 for Delaine Buses.

 

[Lex 1,186]

16 minutes ago, GojiMet86 said:

An Alexander Dennis Enviro200 for Delaine Buses.

 

I think the most interesting aspect of this bus is the fact that it's technically only semi-low floor.

[GojiMet86 4,971]

The new extenstion of the Northern Line of London Underground opened earlier today. The two new stations are Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-58621491

[GojiMet86 4,971]

The new Atlanta MARTA rolling stock design has been unveiled:

 

 

[Lex 1,186]

6 hours ago, GojiMet86 said:

The new Atlanta MARTA rolling stock design has been unveiled:

 

 

I really hope those cab cars are at least more aerodynamic because I find them to be hideous.

[GojiMet86 4,971]

Over in London, the Elizabeth Line has finally opened!

 

[Metro CSW 1,530]

I kinda like they added the IKEA store locations on the tube map. That's almost interesting lol

[texassubwayfan555 37]

Does anyone here know where I can find better pictures of Singapore MRT train cabs/controls? All the ones from Google are either low quality are shown from a bad angle or low quality.

[engineerboy6561 224]

On 1/12/2022 at 1:45 PM, GojiMet86 said:

The new Atlanta MARTA rolling stock design has been unveiled:

 

 

I'm pretty sure those are basically Class 777s with a modified interior and wider loading gauge to match MARTA's system. For reference, the vehicle on the left above is a Class 777, next to the stock that it's replacing (credit Ross McCall/Wikipedia for the image); these are 200' long, 9'3" wide four-car sets designed to do 75mph on an interesting sort of commuter rail/subway hybrid system out of Liverpool in the UK. If you lengthen the cars to 75' and widen them as appropriate (10'6" for Atlanta and SF, 10' for DC) you basically have a product that matches well with the sort of commuter rail/subway hybrid systems you have on MARTA, BART, and WMATA. You could make them work for the B division here with a mix of longitudinal and 2+2 seating, but you'd probably want to keep car length below 75' because these sets are truly articulated, with Jacobs bogies under the open gangways, and would probably have issues navigating the tighter curves on the system unless you dropped individual segment length down to 60' or 67' long.

[GojiMet86 4,971]

On 2/8/2023 at 7:16 AM, engineerboy6561 said:

I'm pretty sure those are basically Class 777s with a modified interior and wider loading gauge to match MARTA's system. For reference, the vehicle on the left above is a Class 777, next to the stock that it's replacing (credit Ross McCall/Wikipedia for the image); these are 200' long, 9'3" wide four-car sets designed to do 75mph on an interesting sort of commuter rail/subway hybrid system out of Liverpool in the UK. If you lengthen the cars to 75' and widen them as appropriate (10'6" for Atlanta and SF, 10' for DC) you basically have a product that matches well with the sort of commuter rail/subway hybrid systems you have on MARTA, BART, and WMATA. You could make them work for the B division here with a mix of longitudinal and 2+2 seating, but you'd probably want to keep car length below 75' because these sets are truly articulated, with Jacobs bogies under the open gangways, and would probably have issues navigating the tighter curves on the system unless you dropped individual segment length down to 60' or 67' long.

 

A little preview of the Class 777s (and therefore the MARTA trains):

 

 

[engineerboy6561 224]

On 3/6/2023 at 12:32 PM, GojiMet86 said:

 

A little preview of the Class 777s (and therefore the MARTA trains):

 

 

They're beautiful; I'd love to see a version with more longitudinal seating and more doors come here at some point in the future