Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has announced the delivery of the first fully automated, four-car Metropolis train to the Taipei City Government Rapid Transit Systems Department. This development provides momentum for future operations of the Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line, which will provide faster and more efficient transportation between Taipei and New Taipei City.
Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line: Sustainable and Efficient Transportation
This 22,8-kilometer-long, medium-capacity metro line will provide passengers with faster and more comfortable travel between New Taipei City districts such as Zhonghe, Shulin, Tucheng and Xinzhuang. It is aimed to shorten travel times by 30 minutes when the line is fully operational. Passengers will have a seamless connection between Taipei and New Taipei City, and the reduced travel time will increase the time they spend on work and daily life.
“With the Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line, we are not just building a metro line; we are improving connectivity, reducing travel times and promoting sustainable urban living. This project is an important step in our commitment to improving public transport and stimulating economic growth for the communities we serve,” said Ling Fang, President of Alstom Asia Pacific.
Handover Ceremony at Jin-Cheng Warehouse
The ceremony for the delivery of Alstom’s new Metropolis trains was hosted at the Jin-Cheng Depot by Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih. Also present at the ceremony were representatives from Bureau Français de Taipei, the Alstom-led consortium and Taiwanese engineering firm CTCI. The partnership demonstrates a long-term collaboration to strengthen the transportation network in Taiwan.
Toby Tiberghien, General Manager of Alstom East Asia, emphasised that the first delivered Metropolis train is a milestone in enhancing the region’s urban mobility. “This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing Taiwan’s urban mobility. Our state-of-the-art trains will significantly improve connectivity between Taipei and New Taipei City, providing passengers with a more efficient travel experience.”
Integrated Metro System with Alstom and CTCI Collaboration
The Alstom-led consortium signed an agreement with the Taipei City Government Rapid Transit Systems Department (SEMPO) in 2018 to provide an integrated metro system. Phase One covers a 9-kilometer line with nine stations, while Phase Two, signed in 9,5, includes an additional 2020 kilometers of line with 13 stations. In this major project, Alstom will provide 13,3 Metropolis metro trains, the Urbalis Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) driverless signaling system, the SCADA system and platform screen doors.
CTCI is contributing trackwork, power supply, depot equipment, telecommunications and ticketing systems. Produced at Alstom’s industrial unit in Taubaté, Brazil, the Metropolis train sets are equipped with innovative technologies to meet Taiwan’s growing transportation needs.
Alstom's Strong Presence in Taiwan
The Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line is seen as the beginning of a new era for passengers in Taipei and continues to strengthen Alstom’s presence in Taiwan, which has been active for more than 40 years. Alstom is active in more than 90 rail systems worldwide, offering customized solutions for every mobility need. The Metropolis metro trains provide sustainable and high-performance transportation solutions, reflecting Alstom’s market leadership in urban mobility solutions.
Alstom's Future Projects
Alstom aims to contribute to the sustainable urban life of the region with its innovative solutions for the Taipei metro network. Most recently, the company has launched driverless metro systems for Taichung City and successfully put Citadis trams into service in Kaohsiung City. The Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line will be connected to four different lines, making journeys in Taipei more flexible and accessible, increasing the efficiency of urban transport.
Alstom’s commitment to sustainable mobility and urban mobility deepens with this contribution to Taiwan’s transportation infrastructure. This project enables cities to develop with environmentally friendly solutions while supporting the contribution of public transportation to economic growth.
