Hong Kong's MTR Corporation has announced a long-awaited upgrade for the Island Line, with the new eight-car trains rolling into service on 28 January. The new trains mark a significant milestone in the company's ambitious train renewal project, following the successful rollout on the Kwun Tong Line in late 2022.
The Q-Trains have been built by Chinese manufacturer, CRRC and will be replacing the aging Metro-Cammell EMU’s. Those trains have been in service on Hong Kong’s metro system since the nineties and the new trains form part of a wider HKD 6 billion deal for 93 new trains.
The progress of the trains entering service has been delayed since they were first announced in 2015 as MTR embarked on an upgrade of its signalling system from SACEM to the SelTrac system which is operated by Thales. However, issues with the installation of the signalling system during testing has limited the amount of test runs being made by the new Q-Train.
However, MTR has managed to conduct extensive testing on the new trains, with many being conducted on the Island Line last year, and receiving safety confirmation from the Government since then.
The delivery of the new trains has brought the number of new trains replacing the first generation units to 13. Passengers can expect a more spacious and comfortable ride, with a spacious interior design and dynamic digital displays alongside full LED lighting.
Ms Jeny Yeung, Managing Director – Hong Kong Transport Services of MTR Corporation said: ”We have a comprehensive train asset renewal plan. The replacement of first-generation trains on the Kwun Tong Line has been completed while we will continue to renew trains on the Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line and Tseung Kwan O Line.
“The passenger facilities and smart features of the new trains have both been enhanced, enabling us to provide an improved travelling experience and railway service to passengers through a 'smart railway’.”
Photo Credit: MTR
