Santo Domingo metro built by Alstom starts commercial
operation

Line 1 of Santo Domingo metro will run from north to south,
providing the citizens of Santo Domingo with a modern mass
transport system alleviating the current traffic problems. The
new line connects Villa Mella and La Feria, and will transport
around 200.000 people daily. The total length is 14,5 km, with
16 stations that will serve the most important commercial zones
of the city, as well as universities and governmental offices.



Three Alstom sites were involved in this project: Alstom's site
in Charleroi, Belgium, were in charge of the manufacturing and
the integration of the traction systems. Alstom's site in Le
Creusot, France provided the bogies and Alstom´s
industrial site in Barcelona, Spain, were responsible for the
manufacturing of the cars and the assembly.



The trains follow Alstom´s standard Metropolis platform
with 80% of its components standardized. Each train is composed
of three cars: two with motors and driver cabins, and one
trailer car. Regarding the manufacturing, Metropolis line is
built with an aluminum chassis. The design assures an optimum
absorption of energy in case of an accident, keeping the
aluminum structure safe from deformation. All trains are
equipped with video-surveillance systems, with cams installed
in each car. Images are transmitted to the driver, who can
constantly monitor the safety of the passenger both inside and
outside the train. Furthermore, information devices, smoke
detectors and air conditioning systems are standard components
in these trains.



With this milestone, Alstom brings its great experience in
metro systems to the Caribbean. To date, more than 3.000
Metropolis cars have been sold in different cities such as
Barcelona, Warsaw, Singapore, Buenos Aires, and Santiago de
Chile.


About Alstom Transport

A promoter of sustainable mobility, Alstom Transport develops
and markets the most complete range of systems, equipment and
services in the railway sector. Alstom Transport manages entire
transport systems, taking in rolling stock, signalling and
infrastructure, and offers turnkey solutions.
Alstom Transport recorded sales of 5.5 billion euros in the
fiscal year 2007-2008 and an increase in orders of 39% compared
to the previous year. Alstom Transport is present in over 60
countries and employs some 26,000 people. The company recruited
4,000 people worldwide in 2007, including 1.500 engineers and
managers.



Press contact

Cécile Dodat


Cecile.dodat@transport.alstom.com


Tel: + 33(1) 41 66 91 48


Mob: +33 (6) 72 59 83 70