Sydney commuters have been testing out a full-size model of the new driverless trains which will be operating in the city from 2019.
The 13-tonne mock-up, which was unveiled at Showground Station on November 5, is being used by Sydney Metro Northwest to gauge public opinion on the final design before going into full production next year.
Alstom is manufacturing 22 automated Metropolis trainsets and the CBTC signalling system for the project. The new suburban railway, formerly known as the North West Rail Link, will include a set of 15-kilometre twin tunnels and will be Australia’s first fully automated metro line.
The shape of the nose and livery colour will be decided following a public consultation. The trains will also feature three double doors per car to reduce dwell times.
How long are these trains to be? They should be just a single carriage to take advantage of being driverless. That way there is a more frequent service. They can also provide through journeys a lot more conveniently. I don’t know the Sydney rail network but with seperate carriages it will be easier to allow journeys without travellers having to change trains. With shorter trains the traveller does not have to walk long distances to the exit from the platform.