Beijing Metro Line 15 in trial run with Alstom's state-of-the-art traction system

On 20 October, Beijing Metro Line 15 Phase 1, equipped with the state-of-the-art traction system supplied by Alstom, enters into trial run based on operation schedule, after going through 50 days of type tests in Beijing.

The traction system for Beijing Line 15, specially designed and developed by Alstom in Europe for the Chinese market, is a competitive product with latest technology named OPTONIX. Its dynamic performance helps reduce travel time and increases frequency of the train operation. In addition, designed as a green system, "OPTONIX" allows the train to consume 30% less energy than a conventional metro thanks to performance improvements in the traction system and energy regenerative brakes.

Despite limited days given to the testing of the traction system, Alstom is committed to meeting the project schedule and delivered the traction system for 2 trains only in 9 months. Thanks to the teamwork and close collaboration with Customer - Beijing Dongzhimen Airport Express Rail Co., Ltd, partners as well as other suppliers, Alstom passed the type test for the complete traction system on the train level in one shot.

The project was executed by a Consortium consisting of Alstom (including both its China and European units) and Shanghai Alstom Transport Electrical Equipment Co., Ltd. (SATEE), Alstom's local joint venture - to provide traction system to Beijing Dongzhimen Airport Express Rail Co., Ltd, for Beijing Line 15's 180 metro cars. As the Leader of Alstom Consortium, SATEE has become a major local manufacturer of traction system for the Chinese market and the Consortium have been awarded traction system contracts for more than 1600 metro cars across China.

 "Despite the tight schedule, we are able to have our cutting edge traction system ready for trial run for customer one month ahead of schedule, gaining customer appreciation and recognition. We can make this happen, thanks to the strong support and close cooperation from the customer and the dedication of the team", said Kim Chan, Managing Director, Alstom Transport China, "With Alstom's advanced traction system, our customer is able to achieve optimized train operations and passenger services".  

"This milestone is a clear illustration of how Alstom is committed to evolving the country's rail infrastructure. Over the past years, Alstom have provided the most advanced signalling solutions to Beijing Line 2, Airport Express Line and Beijing Line 9, making us one of the most preferred partners of our customers in Beijing. The recent success in Line 15's traction system further reinforces our leading position in Beijing's metro market. We will continue to play an important role in contributing to the development of China's metro network", said Dominique Pouliquen, SVP, Alstom Transport Asia Pacific and Alstom China Country President.

Scheduled to enter into revenue service at the end of 2010, Beijing Line 15 Phase 1 is 20.2 km long with 9 stations. Starting from October 20, 6 trains will perform the trial run based on the operation schedule with the headway of 15, 8, and 6 minutes respectively.


More about Alstom Transport Metro Projects in China


Over the past years, Alstom has supplied its most advanced signalling systems and train-control systems to Beijing Line 2 and Line 9, Airport Express Line, Shanghai Line 1, Line 3, Line 3 North Extension, Line 4, Line 10, Line 12 & Line 13, Guangzhou Line 6 and Shenzhen Line 2 & Line 5. In addition to signalling system contracts, Alstom has also supplied over 1600 metro cars and related traction equipment to Shanghais seven metro lines (Pearl Line, Xinmin Line, Yangpu Line, Pudong Line, Line 1 extension, Line 2 extension and Line 10), Nanjing Line 1, Nanjing metro Line 2 and Nanjing Metro Line 1 southern extension.

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, including rolling stock, signaling and infrastructure, and offers "turnkey" solutions. Alstom Transport recorded sales of 5.8 billion euros in the fiscal year 2009-2010. Alstom Transport is present in over 60 countries and employs some 26,000 people.

About SATEE
Shanghai Alstom Transport Electrical Equipment Co., Ltd. (SATEE) is a joint venture set up by Alstom Transport and Shanghai Electric Group in 1999, specialized in traction equipment. Within the Alstom consortium, SATEE has been involved in the projects for Shanghai Metro lines 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10, and Nanjing Metro Line 1, Line 1 ext. and Line 2.

Press Contact:

Jenny Zhang         
Tel. : + 86 10 8460 9000       
Jenny-y.zhang@transport.alstom.com          
                                    
Websites: www.alstom.com, www.transport.alstom.com