Alstom Delivers First Automated Metropolis Train for Taiwan’s Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Metro Line

Alstom delivers Taiwan’s first fully automated metro train for Taipei’s Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line, promising to reduce travel time by 30 minutes and enhance connectivity across Taipei and New Taipei City.

The train, part of the 22.8-kilometer Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line, was handed over to the Department of Rapid Transit Systems (DRTS), Taipei City Government. Once fully operational, this line will shorten travel time between Taipei and New Taipei City by approximately 30 minutes.

Statements and Vision

The handover ceremony, held at Jin-Cheng Depot, was attended by Taipei City Mayor Chiang Wan-an and New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih, along with representatives from Alstom, the Bureau Français de Taipei, and local engineering firm CTCI.

Hello, Taiwan! 🎉 Meet the first fully automated, four-car Metropolis train for the Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line. This 22.8 km will create seamless connections between Taipei & New Taipei City, cutting travel time by 30 minutes once fully operational. 🚆✨//t.co/34RD8Iyu6v pic.twitter.com/iPmxfxHiCM

— Alstom (@Alstom) November 12, 2024

Ling Fang, President of Alstom Asia Pacific, commented on the transformative potential of this project, stating, "With the Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line, we are not just building a metro line; we are enhancing connectivity, reducing travel times, and promoting sustainable urban living. This project is a significant step forward in our commitment to improving public transport and fostering economic growth for the communities we serve."

Toby Tiberghien, Managing Director of Alstom East Asia, also expressed pride in delivering this pioneering transport solution, stating, "We are delighted to deliver the first fully automated Metropolis train for the Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing Taiwan's urban mobility, providing passengers a more efficient and seamless travel experience."

Alstom’s Role in the Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line Project

An Alstom-led consortium secured the contract to deliver an integrated metro system in collaboration with CTCI, awarded by the Systemwide E&M Project Office (SEMPO), Department of Rapid Transit Systems, Taipei City Government. Phase One, signed in 2018, spans 9.5 kilometers with nine stations, while Phase Two, signed in 2020, extends 13.3 kilometers with 13 additional stations. 

Under the contract terms, Alstom is set to provide 35 Metropolis metro trains along with advanced urban mobility technologies. Key components include the Urbalis Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) for driverless signaling, a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, and platform screen doors. Together with CTCI, Alstom will handle project management and systems integration. Meanwhile, CTCI will contribute critical infrastructure, including track work, power supply, depot equipment, telecommunication, and ticketing systems.

Boosting Commuter Experience and Network Efficiency

The Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line will interchange with four other metro lines, turning into a game-changing addition to Taipei’s metro network and enhancing overall transit efficiency. This line promises commuters more convenient connections across key areas, directly supporting the broader urban development goals of Taipei and New Taipei City.

Alstom's Proven Metropolis Metro Solutions

Alstom’s Metropolis trains, now serving Taiwan’s Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line, are part of a globally renowned metro solution that has kept cities efficiently connected for over 60 years. Accordinng to Alstom, the trains are designed to blend innovation with flexibility, ensuring reliable service, enhanced passenger comfort, and sustainability. Each train can be customized to meet specific operational needs, such as automated or manual operations, gauge profiles, and interior configurations.

By integrating proven technology with a focus on local requirements, Alstom’s Metropolis trains promise to transform daily commuting across Taipei, reinforcing the city’s goal of sustainable urban development.

Source: Alstom