01.02.06
First new car for Victoria line
Metronet Rail, the organisation responsible for the maintenance and upgrade of two-thirds of London’s Tube, has announced that the first new Victoria line train car has been assembled ready for static testing.
The car, designed and constructed by Bombardier Transportation at its manufacturing facility in Derby, is the first one of two pre-production trains, which will start trials in London early next year following extensive operational testing in Derby.
It is the first time that modular carbodies with mechanically-fastened aluminium sub-assemblies have been manufactured for use on the London Underground. The completed car has been transferred from the assembly line to Bombardier’s Engineering Development Laboratory ready for static testing. Assembly of the second and third cars is now underway.
The new 47 eight-car train fleet will be brought into passenger service between 2009 and 2012 as part of Metronet’s comprehensive upgrade of the Victoria line for London Underground, which also includes a new signalling system and control centre.
The new trains are hoped to significantly improve reliability, based on proven technology. Their improved acceleration performance will lead to faster journey times, whilst being energy efficient, with highly reliable solid-state propulsion systems.
The vehicles have been designed for easier maintenance to ensure minimum downtime and lower maintenance costs. Hard wearing, vandal-resistant materials and finishes have been used to provide longer lasting and easier to clean exterior and interior environments.
The ride has been made more comfortable for passengers, with improved lighting and ventilation systems. Bench style seating and tip-up seats have been provided to create larger standing areas for peak-time services.
Wide doors with stand-back areas and carefully designed interiors to improve boarding and alighting have been added to the new trains. Facilities for disabled passengers will be provided to the latest RVAR standards, including wheelchair spaces, improved signage and public address systems.
Alistair Kennedy, Metronet’s Vice-President responsible for the programme, said, “The completion of the first car represents a very significant milestone for the upgrade of the Victoria line. Metronet, working very closely with its partner, Bombardier, has taken an important first step towards delivering major benefits for London.”
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