The MTR Corporation announced on Monday that it plans to spend around HKD7 billion replacing 78 trains that are part of its first-generation rolling stock.
The new trains will run on the Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan, Island and Tseung Kwan O lines, and are scheduled to arrive in 2018, with the older trains being phased out by 2024.
The MTR currently owns 93 British-manufactured first-generation Metro-Cammell trains, which were introduced in 1979 and have a top speed of 80km/h. The 78 trains being replaced were introduced to service before 1989.
‘Stringent standards’
MTR’s operation director Dr. Jacob Kam Chak-pui said four tenders are being evaluated and a decision will be made in two to three months.
The tenders will need to meet “stringent” standards, but the corporation would renovate existing cars if the bids were deemed unsatisfactory, he added.
“Our consideration is more than only the price of a train, as it would be used for 40 to 50 years. It will involve a lot of maintenance, investment, renewal costs and we would also consider its energy efficiency,” Kam told SCMP.
New features
The trains – regardless of whether they’re renovated or replaced – will feature a series of interior upgrades, Ming Pao illustrated.
The onboard map will have a dynamic design with LCD monitors showing routes, interchanges and door-opening directions; and handrails will be branched out into three poles in an “olive” shape to allow for higher usage.
The spacing between doors and seats will also be widened from 18cm to 39cm for smoother access.
The MTR’s current stock comprises of trains manufactured in the UK, Spain and Germany, South Korea, and China.
The East Rail Line (formerly KCR) runs another train model from Metro Cammell and a more modern model manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan.
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