China: The full-scale mock-up of the head car is being exhibited in a recreation park in Taiwan’s Kaohsiung. The replica features flooring, seats, handrails, glass screens, automatic doors and a dedicated space for wheelchairs. The nose has been made using 3D printing.
The future three-car trainset is reported to accommodate 472 passengers and run at a speed of 80 km/h. As Stadler previously indicated, the metro train would have an aluminium body. In addition, the rolling stock will be able to operate in the Taiwanese climate with high humidity and extreme temperatures of up to 45 °C. The production is due to take place at the manufacturer’s site in St. Margrethen, Switzerland.
In 2022, a consortium of Stadler, Siemens Mobility and Singapore’s ST Engineering was awarded a contract for the delivery of 25 such trains of the highest automation level, GoA4. The project is the Swiss manufacturer’s debut in the Asian market of metro trains. The contract worth $4.7 bln provides for the turnkey construction of Kaohsiung’s Yellow line, including the supply of the rolling stock, electrification and equipment of the line with signalling. The first section is scheduled for launch in 2032.
