Vibrant Express
港鐵動感號
Set 0251 on service G5827 at Futian
ManufacturerCSR Qingdao Sifang
DesignerMBD Design[1]
Order no.840, C6014-14E
Built atQingdao, Shandong, China[2]
Family nameCRH380A
Constructed2013–2017
Entered service23 September 2018 (2018-09-23)
Number built9 sets (72 carriages)
Formation8-car sets
ZY–ZE–ZE–ZE–ZE–ZE–ZE–ZY
Fleet numbers0251-0259
Capacity581 (2 wheelchairs, 68 first class, 511 second class)[3]
OperatorsMTR
DepotsShek Kong Stabling Sidings[2]
Lines served  Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong XRL
Specifications
Car body construction
[4]
Train length203 m (666 ft 0.1 in)
Car length
  • 26.5 m (86 ft 11.3 in) (end cars)
  • 25 m (82 ft 0.3 in) (intermediate cars)
Width3.38 m (11 ft 1.1 in)
Height3.7 m (12 ft 1.7 in)
Floor height1.3 m (4 ft 3.2 in)
Platform height1.25 m (4 ft 1.2 in)
EntryLevel
Doors2 per side per car
Wheelbase2,500 mm (8 ft 2.4 in)
Maximum speed
  • 200 km/h (124 mph) (West Kowloon to Shenzhen North)[5][6]
  • 300 km/h (186 mph) (Shenzhen North to Guangzhou South)[6]
  • 350 km/h (217 mph) (Operational)
  • 380 km/h (236 mph) (Design)
Weight408 t (401.6 long tons; 449.7 short tons)
Traction systemZhuzhou CSR Times Electric TGA10D water-cooled 3-level[7] IGBTVVVF converter/inverter control
Traction motors24 × CSR Zhuzhou Electric YQ-365 400 kW (536 hp) outer fan-cooled 3-phase AC induction motor
Power output
  • 8.76 MW (11,747 hp) (at all wheels)
  • 9.6 MW (12,874 hp) (at all motors)
TransmissionTwin-Disc (TD) drive
Acceleration0.4 m/s2 (1.3 ft/s2)
Power supplyAC-DC-AC
Electric system(s)25 kV 50 Hz AC Overhead catenary
Current collector(s)DSA 350 pantograph
UIC classification2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′
BogiesCSR Qingdao Sifang bolsterless bogies with air suspension (powered: SWMB-400, trailer: SWTB-400)
Braking system(s)Electropneumatic and regenerative
Safety system(s)Chinese Train Control System (CTCS) Level 3
Coupling systemTightlock coupling
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
SeatingTransverse
Vibrant Express
Traditional Chinese動感號
Simplified Chinese动感号

Vibrant Express (Chinese: 動感號),[8][9] also known as MTR CRH380A or MTR380A is a high-speed train operated by Hong Kong government-owned public transport operator MTR. It was manufactured by Chinese state-owned manufacturer CSR Qingdao Sifang (now CRRC Qingdao Sifang) based on the CRH380A Hexie EMUs developed for China Railway. Nine 8-car trainsets were ordered by the Hong Kong government through the MTR Corporation and delivered between 2016-17.[10][11][12][13][14] It is the first high-speed train produced by CRRC not operated by China Railway.

The train runs between West Kowloon station and Guangzhou South station on the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link.[15][16][17]

Overview

Vibrant Express is based on the CRH380A electric multiple units (EMUs) high-speed trains designed and manufactured by CSR.

In April 2011, MTR announced a selective invitation to tender (Contract 840) for the procurement of rolling stock to operate on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) based on the requirements of having nine 8-car trainsets and the maximum operational speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).[18] MTR's procurement team, after assessing the tender's qualifications announced in March 2012 that CSR Qingdao Sifang had been awarded with the contract worth HK$1.74 billion.[19][4]

The first train arrived in Hong Kong on 26 September 2016 at River Trade Terminal, Tuen Mun District, where it was then delivered to Shek Kong Stabling Sidings and Emergency Rescue station.[10][20][2]

On 23 September 2018, West Kowloon station and the Hong Kong section of the XRL began commercial operations. MTR-0252 brought the first passengers (including reporters) from West Kowloon station to Shenzhen North station.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hong Kong government suspended all high-speed rail services from 30 January 2020.[21][22] The service reopened on 8 January 2023.[23]

Technical features

Two different materials were used for the body of the train cars: aluminium alloy and fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP). Aluminium alloy was chosen for use on most of the body due to its low weight and high strength so safe high-speed performance could be achieved. For the nose cone, FRP was used because of its ability to be molded into complex aerodynamic shapes necessary sustained at the front of the train in high-speed operations and continue to maintain its structural strength. However, the use of these two materials with different coefficients of linear thermal expansion meant the different rates of expansion could lead to paint peeling off the body. This problem was addressed by using two separate gasket rings on the nose cone to separate it into different sections which are painted independently.[4] They can be distinguished from CRH380A trains operated by China Railway which only have 1 gasket ring.

  • Further improvement on collision and fire resistance as well as electromagnetic compatibility and other properties.
  • Improved low-resistance shape.
  • The optimisation of the bogie design and improvement of the interior structure.
  • High-strength air tightness: to further enhance the airtight performance, the fully sealed pressurisation of differential pressure control mode is adopted. The rate of pressure change does not exceed 0.2-kilopascal-per-second [kPa/s] (0.029 psi/s).
  • Improved bogie.
  • Noise control: Using a variety of new noise absorption materials and noise barrier technology, EMU speed of 350 km/h (217 mph) inside noise keep in 67–69 dB level.
  • The axle load still maintained at a level of 15 tonnes (16.5 short tons), under vehicle weight gained by enhancing traction power, structural quality and noise reduction level.
  • High-efficiency regenerative braking.
  • Ergonomic passenger interface.
  • Label text (including fleet number and seat class name) on car body is painted with MTR typefaces, including MTR Song (港鐵宋) for Chinese characters (both Traditional and Simplified, of which Simplified Chinese is a first for Hong Kong) and Myriad MM for alphanumeric characters.

Classes

The Vibrant Express uses the same naming convention for travel classes as those used by G-series (High Speed) trains, the fastest train services operated by China Railway.

The trains have two classes of seats, second/standard class and first class.[24] However, unlike the closely related CRH380A trainsets operated by China Railway, the Vibrant Express does not offer higher-end premium and business class seating or have buffet cars. This is because the Vibrant Express are short-haul trains that service only between Guangzhou South and West Kowloon.[24]

Free Wi-Fi is provided to all passengers. Every car has baggage racks located above the seats and multi-standard power sockets. All seats are reclining and include a foldable seat table and foot rest. Two wheelchair spaces are located on the seventh of the train.[3][25]

There are 511 second class seats located in the six intermediate carriages of the train. The second class coaches use 3-2 seat configuration with a mixture of orange, grey and red seats. Coat hooks are available on the sides of every row (next to the windows).[3]

68 first class seats are in a 2-2 configuration and are located on the two end cars of the train. The class feature floral patterns in silver grey and rose red on the seats as well as the floor and walls. Each seat is provided with a reading light an on-board audio and TV entertainment system with an headphone jack. TVs are located at the center and ends of the coach. Coat hooks are featured on the side of every row (next to the window) and the back of every aisle seat.[3] In general. first class tickets are 50-60% more expensive than second class tickets.[24]

Formation

Formation Nomenclature

The numbering and classification system of Vibrant Express train cars is based on the one used for CRH380A trains operated by China Railway.

Power Designation

  • M: Motor car
  • T: Trailer car
  • C: Driver cabin
  • P: Pantograph car

Coach Types

  • ZE: Second/standard class (二等座車, Pinyin: Èr Děng Zuò Chē)
  • ZY: First class (一等座車, Pinyin: Yī Děng Zuò Chē)

Set numbers

Set numbers are composed of the rolling stock type followed by the fleet number. They are displayed on the sides of the end cars. All Vibrant Express trains are part of the CRH380A family.

Carriage Number

  • First 4 digits: Fleet number (0251-0259)
    • 0253XX: Fleet no. 0253
  • 5th and 6th digits: Car number (01-07 and 00)
    • XXXX05 = Car no. 5
    • XXXX00 = Car no. 8

Formation method

Carriage number 1234567 (Handicapped/disabled access) 8
Set numbers[lower-alpha 1] CRH380A-025x
Coach Type First class Second/standard class First class
Carriage numbers ZY 025x01 ZE 025x02 ZE 025x03 ZE 025x04 ZE 025x05 ZE 025x06 ZE 025x07 ZY 025x00
Power Configuration Tc M Mp M Mp M Tc
Capacity 32 91 86 91 86 91 68

(including 2 wheelchairs)

36
Power unit no. 1 2 3
  1. The set number is displayed on the sides of the end cars.

Distribution

As of August 2022

Operator Quantity Fleet numbers Depot Lines served
CRH380A
MTR Corporation90251-0259Shek Kong Stabling SidingsGuangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link

MTR order information

Contract reference No. 840[19][26]
InformationUp to date
Title or ScopeExpress Rail Link: Rolling Stock
Anticipated Date of Prequalification InvitationCompleted
Anticipated Date of Prequalification Submission or Category of Work in Approved ListCompleted
Anticipated Date for Invitation to TenderCompleted
Anticipated Date of Contract AwardCompleted
Tendering ProcedureSelective
Covered by WTO GPA (Y/N)Y
Estimated Range of Cost / Awarded ValueM5
Total AmountHK$1,744,017,141

See also

References

  1. "Train Rapide Express Rail Link" [Express Rail Link Rapid Train] (Press release) (in French). MBD Design. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 Yuan, Can (27 September 2016). "CRRC sends first batch of trains to Hong Kong for high-speed rail project". People's Daily Online.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Train Facilities". MTR Corporation. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 Legislative Council Panel on Transport Subcommittee on Matters Relating to Railways. Latest update on issues relating to train of the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (PDF) (Report). Transport Subcommittee, Legislative Council of Hong Kong. June 2016. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  5. Chung, Stephy. "Controversial high-speed rail station opens in Hong Kong". CNN. Retrieved 11 August 2022. Due to its relatively short distance, the Hong Kong section of the Express Rail Link has a maximum speed of 200 kilometers per hour (kph), much lower than the top speed of 300 kph China's bullet trains usually hit.
  6. 1 2 阮, 文忠. 广深港高速铁路深港跨境隧道之设计与施工管理 [Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High Speed Rail Cross-border Tunnel Design and Construction Management] (PDF) (Report) (in Simplified Chinese). China Hong Kong Railway Institution. "深圳福田站至深圳河线路全长 11.4km,设计速度目标值 200km/h [...] 香港段全长约 26km,设计速度目标 200km/h
  7. "Multi-mode PWM method for three-level inverter of high-speed train" (PDF) (in Chinese (China) and English). Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  8. "High-speed trains named 'Vibrant Express'". The Standard. 23 March 2018. Archived from the original on 9 November 2022. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  9. "Hong Kong High Speed Rail Trains to be Named "動感號 Vibrant Express"" (PDF) (Press release). MTR Corporation. 23 March 2018. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2022.
  10. 1 2 "CE views XRL train delivered to Hong Kong (with photos/video)". The Government of Hong Kong SAR. 9 July 2017. Archived from the original on 9 November 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  11. 中南車拿下港高鐵列車承造合同 [CSR wins contract for the construction of Hong Kong high-speed rail trains]. Asia Times Chinese (in Traditional Chinese). 20 March 2012. Archived from the original on 12 April 2016.
  12. 香港高鐵列車由中國南車中標 [CSR wins bid for Hong Kong High-speed trains] (in Traditional Chinese). 香港商業電台. 20 March 2012. Archived from the original on 5 April 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2012.
  13. 中国南车中标香港高铁列车合约 (Press release) (in Simplified Chinese). CSR Corporation. 21 March 2012. Archived from the original on 31 December 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  14. 廣深港高鐵2015竣工. 中國南車奪列車合約 (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). Archived from the original on 23 March 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  15. "XRL can attract more people: CE". news.gov.hk. 2 October 2018. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
  16. Sum, Lok-kei; Ng, Naomi; Zhao, Shirley (22 September 2018). "Hong Kong's first high-speed train makes maiden trip across border, as Carrie Lam says rail link will be 'bright light' on China's calling card".
  17. ""Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong" High Speed Rail (Hong Kong Section) Commences Service, Opening a New Chapter for Hong Kong Rail Transport" (PDF) (Press release). MTR Corporation. 23 September 2018. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
  18. "Re: Follow-up on matters relating to the standard of crashworthiness requirements for trains of the Hong Kong Section of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link ("XRL")" (PDF). Legislative Council of Hong Kong. 17 November 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  19. 1 2 "Notice of award of contract during March 2012". MTR Corporation. Archived from the original on 12 July 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  20. "MTR receives first XRL's train". RailwayPRO. 27 September 2016. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  21. "Hong Kong to suspend high-speed rail service in bid to halt spread of coronavirus". CNBC. Reuters. 28 January 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2022. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday the high-speed rail service between the city and mainland China would be suspended from Jan. 30.
  22. "Hong Kong to suspend high-speed rail service in bid to halt spread of coronavirus". Hong Kong: The Straits Times. Reuters.
  23. "China-Hong Kong high-speed rail link reopens after three years". Railway Technology. 16 January 2023.
  24. 1 2 3 "Fare charts" (PDF). MTR Corporation. 1 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  25. "Barrier-free Train Trip". MTR High Speed Rail. MTR Corporation.
  26. "港鐵 > 主頁". Archived from the original on 14 April 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
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