Alstom Movia R151

The Alstom Movia R151 trains are the seventh generation of electric multiple unit (EMU) rolling stock model for the North-South and East-West MRT lines (NSEWL).

106 trains of six cars were purchased and have been in passenger service since 4 June 2023.

The R151 trains were purchased to replace the first generation C151 trains, second generation C651 trains, and third generation C751B trains.

These trains are integrated with condition-monitoring features and sensors that transmit data back to a server to identify emerging faults for rectification before they occur, facilitating a robust, efficient and effective predictive maintenance regime.

Four R151 trains are fitted with an Automatic Track Inspection (ATI) system, allowing concurrent monitoring of the running rails, track equipment and sleepers during operations.

The aluminium car body construction of these trains significantly reduces lifecycle costs, enabling the train to be 90 per cent recyclable when it reaches the end of its operational life.

Utilising the Thales SelTrac Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system, the R151 trains are capable of fully automated operations with a train captain manning on board.

At a Glance

Alstom Movia R151

North-South Line

East-West Line

Built 2022 ‐ Current

106 trains of 6 cars each

The Alstom Movia R151 trains are maintained and operated by SMRT Trains.


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History

Contract R151 for the design and building of 66 new trains was awarded by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to Alstom Transport SA (previously known as Bombardier Transportation GmbH) on 25 July 2018. These trains were purchased to replace the first generation KHI trains of the North-South and East-West MRT lines.

The design of the trains was conceptualised in Germany, whereas the design coordination was led by the Alstom team based in Singapore. The trains are jointly manufactured at Alstom's facility at Changchun Alstom Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd., before arriving in batches.

The LTA made an additional purchase of 40 new trains from the manufacturer on 28 September 2020. These additional new trains will replace the second generation SIE and third generation KNS trains of the NSEWL and will utilise the same design as the initial order of 66 trains. Together with the additional purchase, SMRT Trains signed a long-term service support contract with the manufacturer, covering all 106 new trains.

The 10-year service support contract allows the manufacturer to provide technical support & spare parts for train repairs and system upgrades/replacements, with the option for a further 20-year contract extension.

The first two trains arrived in Singapore on 21 February 2022, and the remaining trains will progressively be delivered. The trains will then undergo testing and commissioning works before entering passenger service in 2023. The first R151 train entered passenger service on 4 June 2023, with two more trains entering passenger service every month following the completion of testing & commissioning works by LTA and the operator.

Lines


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Design

Exterior

The R151 trains carry the new LTA "pulse" livery on its exterior: a white and black colour scheme, with the line colours of the NSEWL running along the exterior car body.

The front of the train is curved, giving it a more streamlined look.

The train numbers are displayed on a yellow LED display at the top of the right windscreen.

The LTA logo is pasted beneath several windows and at the front of the train.

Interior

There are three interior colour schemes in the train cars, with each colour applied to two cars of the train.

From the train ends to the middle cars, they are coloured pink, turquoise and green.

The interior cabins of the train are also designed to include more open spaces.


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Features

Builder Plate

The builder plate lists the company involved in the manufacture and the built-year of the train.

Car Door Displays

The car door display panels provide commuters with real-time route and station information throughout their journey.

It also indicates which side the doors will open.

Ceiling Level Displays

The ceiling level display panels display useful travel information, such as in-train announcement texts, current & next stations.

It also displays terminus station information.

Door Indicators

Red light strips positioned above each door will flash when the doors are in motion and will stay lit when the doors are open.

Emergency Communication Button

Emergency Communication Buttons are located at the side of the train doors for commuters to contact train staff in an emergency.

Emergency Exits

Emergency exits are located at both ends of the train.

The emergency exit ramp will be deployed in an emergency.

Gangway Lights

Gangway lights are installed to illuminate the gangway area between two train carriages.

Grab-Handles at Doorways

Provides support for commuters who are boarding or alighting the train, or standing near the doors.

Large & Panoramic Windows

The R151 trains use a large & panoramic single window format, for an improved viewing experience when travelling aboveground.

This is new, compared to the two-split windows format on the previous six generations of trains on the NSEWL.

Overhead Handgrips

Three rows of hand grips are positioned along the isles of the train cabins, providing standing commuters with increased support.

Perch Seats

Perch seats are located in each train car, creating wider standing space for commuters.

Wheelchair Bays

There are two wheelchair bays located in the middle of every R151 train at doors 12 and 13.

Technical Specifications

DT
M1
M2
M2
M1
DT

DT: Driving trailer car; M1/M2: Motor car

Manufacturer
Changchun Alstom Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd.
Number Built
636 cars (106 trains)
Car Body Construction
Aluminium-alloy construction
Traction Control
SiC-VVVF (Alstom Mitrac)
Line Voltage
750 V DC (nominal) from third rail
Gauge
Standard gauge (1,435 mm)
Maximum Speed
90 km/h (design)
80 km/h (service)
Train Length
138 m (6 cars)
Width
3.2 m
Height
3.7 m
Doors
1.45 m wide, 8 per car
Seating Capacity
224 seats

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