Wabtec Opens Doors and Connects Passengers on Hong Kong’s New MTR Fleet

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Wabtec is opening doors and connecting metro passengers in Hong Kong. MTR Corporation, the Metro System Operator in Hong Kong, introduced new trains to service the Kwun Tong Line a few weeks ago. The new trains feature Wabtec’s latest door and coupler technologies, which improve the fleet operations and safety for one of the city’s busiest transit lines.

“It is an honor to be a part of this fleet upgrade on one of Hong Kong’s busiest transit lines,” said Christopher Antes, President Transit Brakes and Safety “Wabtec is building upon its long-standing relationship with MTR and the train manufacturer, CRRC Qingdao Sifang Corporation. The door systems and couplers will provide MTR enhanced operating capabilities and an improved customer experience.”

The new fleet for urban lines comprises 93 new trains, roughly one-third of the total number of trains currently in operations in the whole Hong Kong heavy rail network. Wabtec supplied couplers and train doors after passing all the stringent testing and commissioning procedures required by the company and by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government.

“We have been providing the most reliable coupler systems to MTR for over 40 years.,” said Christopher Antes. “The coupler system on these new Q-Trains is compatible with the existing fleet. It also has enhanced safety features and better energy-absorbing efficiency, which improves the components longevity and a smooth ride for passengers.”

The train doors are the service-proven ES2 sliding system. It is a popular door system among metro authorities worldwide, with more than 155,000 systems in operation. MTR already is using the doors on several of its train fleets. With the addition of these new Q-Trains, Wabtec has more than 18,000 doors in operation throughout Hong Kong’s metro system.

The ES2 door system provides MTR proven reliability, outstanding cycle-time performance, and modular design. The system’s driving screw mechanism ensures closing, opening and locking with a single motor and without any gearbox or electromagnet.

Wabtec’s team in Hong Kong will support MTR Corporation during the phase-in of new trains. It also will provide technical and maintenance support after each new train starts operation. The common goal of Wabtec and MTR is to provide safe and reliable train services to all the passengers in Hong Kong.