Unmanned Metro Trains – Mark V

Alstom has initiated testing of the autonomous metro trains of the Mark V model intended for Vancouver, as reported by the railway portal Railway Supply.

The first five-car trainset is undergoing trials at Alstom’s Canadian facility in Kingston. During this phase, the operation of the power system, automatic navigation, brakes, and doors is being evaluated.

Unmanned Railway Trains

It is planned that by the end of the year, the train will be sent to Vancouver for further testing and is expected to commence operation in 2024.

The Mark V model is a modernized version of the Mark III trains manufactured by Bombardier Transportation, which have been operational in Vancouver since 2016.

In the new train, passenger capacity has been increased, seating configurations have been changed, and space for bicycles has been added.

The contract for the delivery of 41 Mark V trains, amounting to $565 million, was signed with Bombardier in 2020 and transferred to Alstom after the merger of the companies in 2021.

The new trains are set to replace the fleet of 150 Mark I cars produced by Canadian UTDC in the 1980s by the end of 2027, thereby enhancing the capacity of multiple metro lines.

Video Source: TransLink

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