Beijing Metro with Alstom traction system begins trial run

[IMAGE]China-2.jpg[/IMAGE]Beijing Metro Line 15, equipped with the state-of-the-art traction system supplied by Alstom, entered into trial run based on operation schedule, following 50 days of type tests in Beijing.

Beginning last week, six trains began performing the trial run based on the operation schedule with the headway of 10 minutes.

The traction system for Beijing Line 15, specially designed and developed by Alstom for the Chinese market, is named OPTONIX and allows the train to consume 30 percent less energy than a conventional metro thanks to performance improvements in the traction system and energy regenerative brakes.

Scheduled to enter into revenue service at the end of 2010, Beijing Line 15 Phase 1 is approximately 12.5 miles long with nine stations.

The project was executed by a consortium consisting of Alstom (including both its China and European units) and Shangai Alstom Transport Electrical Equipment Co. Ltd. — Alstom's local joint venture to provide traction systems to Beijing Dongzhimen Airport Express Rail Co. Ltd., for Beijing Line 15's 180 metro cars.