Buenos Aires has selected Chinese firm CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles to carry out its biggest fleet renewal for Line B since the early 2000s. State operator SBASE has approved a $29 million contract for the supply of 243 six-car train sets, aiming to modernize the aging fleet that has been in use for more than 60 years on the city’s busiest metro line, while improving safety and comfort.
Tender Process and CRRC's Financial Offer
The tender process was launched in August 2023 and the initial order size of 16 train sets was increased to 29 sets in the process. CRRC won the tender by submitting a bid 10,6% lower than the estimated contract value. The company’s bid beat out bids from India’s BEML and China’s CITIC Group in the final round of evaluation.
One of the most striking aspects of this tender was the requirement that suppliers provide partial financing. CRRC complied with this requirement by agreeing to finance at least 80% of the total project value. Local media reported that this financing requirement was the main obstacle behind the withdrawal of Alstom and some other Western manufacturers from the tender. This once again demonstrates the financing power of Chinese companies in global infrastructure projects.
Modern and Comfortable Trains to Replace the Aging Fleet
The new metro trains have been in service on Buenos Aires Line B for more than 60 years It will replace CAF/Alstom Series 6000 trains and Japanese-made rolling stockThis modernization will significantly improve the passenger experience on one of the city's busiest lines, will increase both safety and comfort.
The design of the train sets also aims to optimize passenger flow and capacity. The 3,1-meter-wide train sets will feature full-bore gangways. This design will increase passenger capacity and improve the flow between carriages, providing more comfortable transportation during crowded times.
Advanced Digital Systems and Voltage Boost
The new metro trains will be equipped with modern transportation technologies. Each metro train will be standard automatic block signaling CRRC will also provide automation level GoA2 operation Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) installation option Three lines on the Buenos Aires metro already use CBTC technology, so the planned upgrade ensures compatibility across the system and supports future digital integration.
Another important change made during the tender process was that the required contact voltage was increased from 600 V. Increasing to 1,5 kV This voltage increase caused the city to compatible with the unified power strategy “These technological improvements will allow the Buenos Aires metro to operate more efficiently and sustainably, helping to reduce long-term operational costs and improving overall network reliability.”
