New Zealand AM class electric multiple unit

Last updated

New Zealand AM class electric multiple unit
Auckland AT Metro AM Class, Takaanini (20240202b) (cropped).jpg
AM 415 passing through Takanini
NZ AM class train interior 2 2013.jpg
Interior
In service2014–present
Manufacturer CAF
Built at Beasain, Basque Country, Spain
Family name CxK
Replaced
Constructed
  • 2013–2015
  • 2019–2020
  • 2024–2025
Number under construction20 [1]
Number built75
Number in service72
Formation3 cars (AMA–AMT–AMP) per set [2]
Fleet numbers
  • 103–714
  • 810–973
Capacity373 (230 seated, 143 standing) [3]
Operators
Depots Wiri, Strand Distributed Stabling Facility, Papakura, Henderson
Lines served
Specifications
Car body construction Stainless steel [3]
Train length72.03 m (236 ft 4 in)
Car length
  • 24.3 m (79 ft 9 in) (AMA/AMP)
  • 23.2 m (76 ft 1 in) (AMT)
Width2.76 m (9 ft 1 in)
Height3.99 m (13 ft 1 in) (over lowered pantograph)
Floor height
  • 1,100 mm (3 ft 7 in) (high floor)
  • 750 mm (2 ft 6 in) (AMT low floor)
Platform height 750 mm (2 ft 6 in)
Doors4 × twin doors (2 per side) per car, push-button opening [3]
Wheel diameter860–790 mm (34–31 in) (new–worn)
Maximum speed110 km/h (70 mph) [3]
Weight132 t (130 long tons; 146 short tons) (tare 3-car set)
Traction systemCAF IGBT–VVVF [4]
Traction motors 8 × Mitsubishi Electric MB-5146-A 190 kW (255 hp)
Power output1,520 kW (2,038 hp) [2]
Transmission6.8 : 1 (102 / 15) gear ratio [5]
Acceleration 1 m/s2 (3.3 ft/s2) [3]
Deceleration 1 m/s2 (3.3 ft/s2) [3]
Electric system(s) 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead catenary
Current collector(s) Pantograph
UIC classification Bo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′
Safety system(s) ETCS (to application level 1)
Coupling system Scharfenberg
Multiple working Within class only
Track gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Notes/references
Sourced from [6] except where noted.

The New Zealand AM class of electric multiple unit (EMU) was constructed for the electrification of Auckland's railway network. The class was introduced in 2014 [7] with the first unit having arrived in September 2013. [8] The units are classified AM (Auckland Metro), with the driving motor car with pantograph classified AMP, the middle trailer car AMT and the driving motor car without pantograph AMA. [2] The trains are operated by Auckland One Rail for Auckland Transport under the AT Metro brand.

Contents

History

In February 2010, an "industry engagement document" preceding the formal call for tenders was published, calling for 114 EMU cars in 38 three-car sets, capable of being coupled as six-car trains, the maximum Auckland's stations can handle. The tender also included 13 electric locomotives (which did not eventuate). The sets would have seated around 240 passengers. While the document specified only a small number of elements, it required a speed of 110 km/h for fully laden trains, a minimum design life of 35 years and the ability to climb the steep grades of the proposed City Rail Link. [9] The expected value of the contract was approximately $500 million. [10] [11]

In December 2010, there was concern that government handling of the tender could be placing the process into doubt, with four tenderers out of the ten shortlisted having withdrawn. One of them, Bombardier Transportation, criticised the government for initially shortlisting four companies then extending it to ten, which in their view created a lack of confidence in the tendering process. [12] Another criticism was that KiwiRail had "effectively prevented" their facilities in Hillside and Lower Hutt from tendering for the contract or parts of the contract, settling for encouraging overseas tenderers to include some local component. This, together with the refusal to allow local manufacturing to build railway wagons, was seen by groups such as unions and newspaper commenters as a sign that KiwiRail/the Government was unwilling to support New Zealand rail manufacturing. [13]

In April 2011, it was confirmed that the shortlist had been reduced to two, with the contract expected to be awarded several months later. Still uncertain was ownership of the trains, with Auckland Transport preferring to take ownership rather than KiwiRail. The Rail & Maritime Transport Union favoured this course, as it would have ensured that they could not be sold by the government at a later stage. [11] Auckland Council transport committee chairman Mike Lee noted that it would be inappropriate that Auckland would be expected to pay back a government loan for the trains (unlike recent Wellington train purchases), yet could end up not owning the trains. [14]

In August 2011, it was confirmed that the tender specification had been changed to 57 three-car EMUs (approximately 50% more than before) and no locomotives, reducing long-term maintenance costs. [15] All trains would be able to use the City Rail Link, which might not have been possible for locomotive-hauled carriages as they would not have met performance and fire rating requirements. [16] The purchase price included a 12-year maintenance contract. [15] On the funding side, after long negotiations between Auckland Council/Auckland Transport and the government, it was declared that the trains would be owned by Auckland, with Auckland paying approximately half of the cost from rates, as well as paying annual track access charges to KiwiRail and any potential purchase price increases as the winning tenderer was finalised. [15]

On 6 October 2011, it was announced that Spanish rolling stock builder CAF had been selected. Further information regarding the trains was also released, including artist's impressions resembling the Class 4000 DMUs for NI Railways, built by CAF. [17] [18]

Exterior of mockup, Museum of Transport & Technology. Auckland EMU mockup.jpg
Exterior of mockup, Museum of Transport & Technology.

A mock-up was unveiled in June 2012, [19] and was on display at the Museum of Transport & Technology. The mock-up is a hybrid of motor car and trailer sections – the actual layout is different, with greater length in each section.

Production of the first unit was underway in October 2012. [20] In mid 2013, it was announced that the first train had been shipped, and was to arrive in Auckland by September 2013. [21] It arrived at the Ports of Auckland on 24 August 2013. [22] [23] [24]

The class was designed with the City Rail Link in mind, which will extend the underground operation of the 57 units and any future suburban stock considerably.

AT looked into the possibility of battery electric multiple units (BEMU) to operate services between Papakura and Pukekohe as an interim measure prior to electrifying the North Island Main Trunk between the two stations. It was thought that up to 13 2-Car BEMUs would be required (allowing for either 6x 3-Car BEMU per hour or 3x 6-Car BEMU with one spare). In November 2017, it was announced that the proposed 13-unit BEMU order had been cancelled in preference for 15 further AM class units. [25] The rationale for this became clear in late April 2018 when electrification between Papakura and Pukekohe was announced as part of the $28 billion Auckland Transport Alignment Project. [26] [27] The 15 units were under construction mid 2019 with the first unit (AM810) shipped from the factory in Spain in early September. The first of the three-carriage trains arrived in Auckland in October and should enter service in December after commissioning. The last of the additional fleet of 15 arrived in Auckland during July 2020. [28] [29] 23 additional units with options for 5 more were ordered from CAF in January 2022. [30]

Introduction

The first unit was transferred to the purpose-built Wiri depot on 26 August 2013. [31] It was certified at the depot before being officially unveiled on 12 September. [31] [32]

The next units arrived in Auckland in November 2013, with two sets due to arrive every month December 2013 – November 2014, four each month December 2014 – July 2015. [33] [ failed verification ]

Inside an AM on the first day of revenue service. AMT Interior April 2014.JPG
Inside an AM on the first day of revenue service.

The first revenue service ran on 28 April 2014 on the Onehunga Line, following a public open day the preceding day on which the trains were used to run free shuttle services between Britomart and Newmarket. [34] Electric Eastern Line services commenced on 15 September 2014 as far as Manukau; [33] [ failed verification ] Eastern Line services to Papakura were diverted to terminate at Manukau from 8 December 2014, completing the Eastern Line electrification. [35]

Electric Southern Line services to Papakura commenced on 15 January 2015, [36] [ failed verification ] running two return off-peak services on weekdays. From 16 May 2015, all weekend services, with the exception of the shuttle service between Papakura and Pukekohe were operated by electric trains, including the Western Line.

Electric trains were fully introduced into daily services across the Auckland electrified rail network on 20 July 2015. Electric trains operate as far as Swanson on the Western Line and as far as Papakura on the Southern Line. [37]

Accidents

On 29 January 2015, a pedestrian was struck by a train and killed at Morningside station whilst attempting to cross at a pedestrian level crossing. [38]

The front three cars [39] of an inbound train derailed in the Britomart tunnel on the approach to the platforms on 9 May 2018 and stopped millimetres from a concrete wall. The emergency brakes were activated and no injuries were recorded. The derailed units took several days to clear. [40] The TAIC investigation found that a manufacturing defect in a rail caused the rail to fracture. [41]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Island Main Trunk</span> Railway line in New Zealand running between Auckland and Wellington

The North Island Main Trunk (NIMT) is the main railway line in the North Island of New Zealand, connecting the capital city Wellington with the country's largest city, Auckland. The line is 682 kilometres (424 mi) long, built to the New Zealand rail gauge of 1,067 mm and serves the large cities of Palmerston North and Hamilton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waitematā railway station</span> Multimodal transit station in New Zealand

Waitematā railway station, formerly known as Britomart Transport Centre, is the public transport hub in the central business district of Auckland and the northern terminus of the North Island Main Trunk railway line. It combines a railway station in a former Edwardian post office, extended with expansive modernist architectural elements, with a bus interchange. It is at the foot of Queen Street, the main commercial thoroughfare of the CBD, with the main ferry terminal just across Quay Street.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Public transport in the Wellington Region</span> Overview of public transport in Wellington, New Zealand

Public transport in the Wellington Region, branded under the name Metlink, is the public transport system serving Wellington and its surrounding region. It is the most used public transport system in New Zealand per capita, and consists of electric and diesel buses, suburban trains, ferries and a funicular. It also included trams until 1964, and trolleybuses until 2017.

Transdev Auckland, formerly Veolia Transport Auckland, and Connex Auckland was a subsidiary of Transdev Australasia that ran Auckland's urban passenger trains under contract from Auckland Transport on infrastructure owned and managed by KiwiRail. Auckland Transport receives funding to subsidise these services from the NZ Transport Agency, which receives funding from road user taxes and Crown appropriations, and from the Auckland Council through rates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Papakura railway station</span> Railway station in New Zealand

Papakura railway station is a station of the Auckland railway network located in Papakura, New Zealand. It is served by the Southern Line. It is accessed from Railway Street West and Ron Keat Drive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pukekohe railway station</span> Railway station in New Zealand

Pukekohe railway station is a temporarily closed railway station in Pukekohe, New Zealand. It is the southern terminus of the Southern Line of the Auckland railway network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ADL/ADC class diesel multiple unit</span>

The ADL class is a class of diesel multiple units that were last operated by Auckland One Rail on the suburban rail network in Auckland, New Zealand. Originally built in the early 1980s by A Goninan & Co for Westrail of Western Australia, they were sold in 1993 by Westrail's successor, Transperth, to New Zealand Rail. The units are currently owned by Auckland Transport, and were withdrawn from service in August 2022 and transported to Glenbrook Vintage Railway and Pukeoware depot for storage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ADK/ADB class diesel multiple unit</span> Class of diesel multiple units made in Australia

The ADK class are a class of diesel multiple units that were previously operated by Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR) in Perth, and later Transdev Auckland on Auckland's suburban rail network, and are currently operated by MetroBus in Maputo, Mozambique. Originally built by Commonwealth Engineering and the Midland Railway Workshops for WAGR in the late 1960s, all but one were sold in 1993 to New Zealand Rail, and were then owned by Auckland Transport. The units were completely withdrawn from service in New Zealand on 5 December 2014, following completion of electrification of Auckland's network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Zealand EM class electric multiple unit</span> Train formerly used in New Zealand

The New Zealand EM/ET class electric multiple units were used on suburban services in Wellington, New Zealand from 1982 to 2016. They were owned initially by the New Zealand Railways Corporation and finally by the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) and operated by Tranz Metro, part of national railway operator KiwiRail.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Public transport in Auckland</span>

Public transport in Auckland, the largest metropolitan area of New Zealand, consists of three modes: bus, train and ferry. Services are coordinated by Auckland Transport (AT) under the AT and AT Metro brands. Waitematā railway station is the city's main transport hub.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vivi (rail transit)</span> Railway company based in Riga, Latvia

AS Pasažieru vilciens, operating as Vivi, is the sole passenger railway operator in Latvia, operating both electric and diesel trains on various lines throughout the country. Officially AS "Pasažieru vilciens" the company was founded in November 2001. It is fully owned by the Latvian state, with the Ministry of Transport acting as shareholder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern Line (Auckland)</span> Railway service in Auckland, New Zealand

The Southern Line in Auckland, New Zealand, is the name given to suburban train services that operate between Waitematā railway station in central Auckland and Pukekohe via Newmarket.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Auckland railway electrification</span> Infrastructure development

Auckland railway electrification occurred in phases as part of investment in a new infrastructure for Auckland's urban railway network. Electrification of the network had been proposed for several decades. Installation started in the late 2000s after funds were approved from a combination of regional and central government budgets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Zealand FP class electric multiple unit</span> Class of rail units in New Zealand

The New Zealand FP/FT "Matangi" class is a class of electric multiple units used on the suburban rail network of New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. The class, consisting of an FP power car and an FT trailer car, operates services on all electrified lines of the network which comprise the Kapiti, Hutt Valley, Melling and Johnsonville lines. The units are owned by Greater Wellington Rail Ltd, a subsidiary of the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC), and have been operated by Transdev Wellington under contract to the GWRC since 2016. They were previously operated by Tranz Metro, a former division of KiwiRail.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battery electric multiple unit</span> Zero-emissions unwired train

A battery electric multiple unit (BEMU), battery electric railcar or accumulator railcar is an electrically driven multiple unit or railcar whose energy can be supplied from rechargeable batteries driving the traction motors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Zealand British Rail Mark 2 carriage</span>

The New Zealand British Rail Mark 2 carriages were built by British Rail Engineering Limited for British Rail in the early 1970s. From the mid-1990s, 150 were exported to New Zealand. After being rebuilt, refurbished and re-gauged, they entered service with a variety of operators on New Zealand's railway network. The carriages generally replaced older NZR 56-foot carriages, some of which had been in use for almost 70 years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CAF Civity</span> Regional passenger train model

The CAF Civity is a family of regional passenger trains which is manufactured by Spanish rolling stock manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles. Available as both diesel, electric and battery-electric multiple unit, the Civity was first launched in 2010 and received its first order two years later.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">British Rail Class 195</span> British diesel multiple-unit (DMU) train built by CAF

The British Rail Class 195 is a class of diesel multiple-unit passenger train from the Civity family manufactured by CAF, owned by Eversholt Rail Group and currently operated by Northern Trains. A total of 58 units have been built; 25 two-car units and 33 three-car units. The class is almost identical to the Class 331 also produced by CAF, which is the electric version of the Class 195, differing only in traction type and vehicle formation.

Railway electrification in New Zealand consists of three separate electric systems, all on the North Island. Electrification was initially adopted by the New Zealand Railways for long tunnels; the Otira Tunnel, the Lyttelton Rail Tunnel and the two Tawa Tunnels of the Tawa Flat Deviation. Electrification of Wellington suburban services started with the Johnsonville Line and Kapiti Line out of Wellington from the 1930s. Auckland suburban services were electrified in 2014–2015. Electrification of long-distance services on the North Island Main Trunk (NIMT) dates from 1986. New long tunnels, for example the Rimutaka Tunnel and the Kaimai Tunnel, were operated by diesels, and the Otira and Lyttelton Tunnels have converted to diesel operation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Te Huia</span> Passenger train service in Waikato, New Zealand

Te Huia is a passenger train service between Hamilton, Papakura, and Auckland in New Zealand. The service is a five-year trial with subsidies from the NZ Transport Agency and Waikato local authorities. The opening was delayed because of COVID-19 and the need to replace some rail track. A new starting date was announced, and the service began on 6 April 2021. Subject to consultation, the 2024 GPS, which sets out government spending plans for transport, does not include the $50m a year to 2026, for inter regional public transport, which was in the draft GPS of August 2023, issued by the previous Labour government, and which was being used to fund Te Huia.

References

  1. ↑ Clinnick, Richard (29 January 2022). "CAF to build 23 EMUs for Auckland". International Railway Journal . Archived from the original on 7 April 2023. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 "Progress on new EMU cars for Auckland". New Zealand Railfan. 19 (3): 14–15. June 2013. ISSN   1173-2229.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Business Report, October 2011" (PDF). Auckland Transport . Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 November 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2011.
  4. ↑ "25kV electric traction converter". CAF Power & Automation. Retrieved 23 August 2023. Auckland Regional Transit Authority, New Zealand
  5. ↑ "cat tecnico GEARBOXES 2-7" (PDF). CAF MiiRA. Retrieved 12 August 2023.
  6. ↑ "COMMUTER TRAIN AUCKLAND TRANSPORT". CAF. Archived from the original on 26 January 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2014.
  7. ↑ "EMU, Depot and Electrification Infrastructure" (PDF). Report to the Auckland Council Transport Committee. 7 December 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 February 2013. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
  8. ↑ "Auckland's first new electric train on its way". The New Zealand Herald . 19 July 2013. Archived from the original on 20 July 2013. Retrieved 19 July 2013.
  9. ↑ "Ceremony marks the beginning of Auckland City Rail Link construction | Stuff.co.nz". stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on 27 August 2017.
  10. ↑ Dearnaley, Mathew (22 March 2010). "$500m budget for region's sleek new electric railcars". The New Zealand Herald . Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 21 March 2010.
  11. 1 2 "Merit in discussing who should own Auckland trains". Press Release: Rail And Maritime Transport Union of New Zealand. Archived from the original on 27 May 2011. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  12. ↑ Cheng, Derek (13 December 2010). "Electric rail shortlist extension under fire". The New Zealand Herald . Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  13. ↑ "A rail demolition job?". Otago Daily Times. 10 June 2011. Archived from the original on 18 October 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  14. ↑ Dearnaley, Mathew (26 May 2011). "Auckland wants to own trains, not lease them". The New Zealand Herald . Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  15. 1 2 3 Dearnaley, Mathew (2 September 2011). "City gets 50pc more electric trains". The New Zealand Herald . Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
  16. ↑ "Auckland to get 57 EMU trains". Auckland Transport Blog. 1 September 2011. Archived from the original on 28 March 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
  17. ↑ "Train contract heralds new era in public transport". Auckland Transport Press Release. 6 October 2011. Archived from the original on 4 November 2011. Retrieved 6 October 2011.
  18. ↑ "CAF preferred for Auckland EMU order". Railway Gazette International. 6 October 2011. Retrieved 6 October 2011.
  19. ↑ "Sneak peek: Auckland's new electric trains". Auckland Transport. 26 March 2012. Archived from the original on 10 February 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  20. ↑ "Auckland Transport October 2012 Business Report, Item 8.2, page 44" (PDF). 24 October 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 February 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  21. ↑ "Auckland's first electric trains on track in April despite setbacks". The New Zealand Herald . 18 May 2013. Archived from the original on 17 May 2013. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
  22. ↑ "First New Train For Auckland Arriving Next Week". NewstalkZB. 24 August 2013. Archived from the original on 26 September 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2013.
  23. ↑ "New electric trains arrive in Auckland". 26 August 2013. Archived from the original on 29 August 2013. Retrieved 26 August 2013.
  24. ↑ "Bring forward rail link or face gridlock – Auckland mayor". One News. 22 September 2013. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  25. ↑ Maude, Simon (7 November 2017). "Auckland's battery trains sidelined for $133m electric train deal". Stuff . Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 26 April 2018.
  26. ↑ "What you need to know about the $28b Auckland Transport Alignment Project". Stuff . 26 April 2018. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 26 April 2018.
  27. ↑ Orsman, Bernard (26 April 2018). "$28 billion funding package for Auckland roading and public transport projects unveiled". The New Zealand Herald . Archived from the original on 11 June 2018. Retrieved 26 April 2018.
  28. ↑ "Auckland's new commuter trains on way from Spain". Stuff . 2 September 2019. Archived from the original on 2 September 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
  29. ↑ "First new electric train arrives in Auckland". Auckland Council . 31 October 2019. Archived from the original on 15 January 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  30. ↑ "CAF signs new contract for the supply of 23 electric units in Auckland". CAF. 25 January 2022. Archived from the original on 10 February 2022. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  31. 1 2 "Auckland Transport media release: "Auckland's first new train has arrived"". Archived from the original on 29 August 2013.
  32. ↑ "Auckland's first electric train unveiled". 3 News. 12 September 2013. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2013.
  33. 1 2 "Strategic PT Reviews – Update" (PDF). Auckland Transport. August 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
  34. ↑ KIDD, ROBERT (27 April 2014). "All aboard in Auckland for free electric train rides". Stuff.co.nz News. Archived from the original on 27 April 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  35. ↑ "More train services from December". Auckland Transport. 17 November 2014. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
  36. ↑ "Jan 2015 AT Public Transport Patronage Stats Report" (PDF). Auckland Transport. 15 January 2015. Archived (PDF) from the original on 17 February 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  37. ↑ https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/service-announcements/train-changes-from-monday-20-july-2015/ Archived 12 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine Auckland Transport. 9 July 2015. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
  38. ↑ "RO-2015-101". www.taic.org.nz. TAIC. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
  39. ↑ "Train derails at Auckland's Britomart station". The New Zealand Herald . 9 May 2018. Archived from the original on 29 June 2019. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  40. ↑ "Auckland commuters to face more delays on Friday following train derailment". Stuff . 10 May 2018. Archived from the original on 15 May 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  41. ↑ "Auckland train derailment caused by manufacturing fault – investigation". Radio NZ – rnz.co.nz. 3 October 2019. Archived from the original on 2 October 2019. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.