The first two EMUs of the Taichung MRT Green Extended Line arrived at Beitun Depot the day before yesterday. Assembly and preparation of the body shell and bogies have been completed and will continue with internal examinations of their static electromechanical functions, with dynamic tests planned for April. Taichung City Transportation Bureau Director Wang, Yi-Chuan accompanied members of the City Council Traffic, Land and Tourism Committee for inspection of the EMU in Beitun Depot, initially exposing its carriage interior in Taichung. Committee members hugely applauded the thoughtful facilities during the test ride, and affirmed that “Taichung MRT is great!”

Taichung City Transportation Bureau Director Wang, Yi-Chuan accompanied Traffic, Land and Tourism Committee the day before yesterday to Hukou, Hsinchu for inspection of the Taiwan Rolling Stock Co. Ltd, which was commissioned for the assembly of the EMUs. Committee members highly regarded its assembly technique and quality; and joined city council members He Wenhai, Zeng Zhaorong, Chen Zhengxian, Qiu Suzhen, Cai Yaling, Chen Shuhua and others again on the 10th to survey the Taichung MRT Beitun Depot. The Taipei City Government Rapid Transit Systems Systemwide E&M Project Office and technicians briefed them on the EMU test procedures and progress and led an inspection to experience the EMU internal facilities on hand.

Movable suspending hoops designed in the carriage allow shorter passengers to grasp comfortably; and if withdrawn upwards, release space for tall passengers to stand up without bumping their heads and creating bothers. In addition, every carriage is designed with pink priority seats and barrier free space without seats for passengers in a wheelchair to ride comfortably. Wifi will be planned throughout the train for easy web access. These heartfelt designs won high praises from the council members.

Transportation Bureau Director Wang states that the Taichung MRT Green Line can accommodate a total of 536 people. The interior adopts simplistic design, with pastel green seats and pink priority seats to symbolize the city’s warmth and vibrancy. The greatest difference from the Taipei Wenhu Line is the one of a kind double section adjoining carriage in the country. In addition, the entire train runs unmanned and relies on frequent three-way contact and notification between traffic control center with train communication, train with station communication, and station with traffic control center to travel. Not only ensuring traveling safety but also a big step forward in smart traffic management.

Director Wang also said the two initial EMUs were deposited in the third and fourth maintenance rail after their arrival in the Beitun Depot. The third and fourth maintenance rail has been powered, with 24hrs security on the watch. Successive series of tests and verifications on the EMU carriage interior functions will take place this month, including lightings, air conditioning, carriage doors and other static interior electromechanical function tests.

In addition, the Taipei City Government Department of Rapid Transit Systems Systemwide E&M Project Office has been asked to urge contractors to speed up factory test of the power supply system, and is expected to test rail power supply on site in April. By then, the EMU would be able to conduct dynamic tests on the rail. For the test procedure to be complete and rigorous, the overall testing schedule will span out for several months, and supervised by OEM personnel.

The Traffic Bureau indicates there are currently still 9 EMUs in manufacturing and assembly by the Hsinchu Taiwan Rolling Stock Co. Ltd. 9 EMUs will hopefully be assembled by the end of this year, with 7 more building in Japan, which will arrive in Beitun Depot in turn for tests. In the meantime, the MRT main line rail is expected to finish mid-year, and the public can expect to see EMUs running for operating tests on the main line after August.

Furthermore, current power supply system, communication system, monitor system and depot maintenance system are under proactive layout to coordinate with later EMU rail tests. Moving steadily towards the goal of 2018 test runs and facilitating the greater Taichung traffic prosperity.