LRT trains have been delivered to Astana - the capital city of Kazakhstan.
New and Shiny: The Arrival of Astana's Automated Light Rail Vehicles
It's about time Astana stepped up its public transportation game, and boy, do these new trains deliver! Hailing from the bustling city of Tangshan, China, these bad boys have rolled into the capital on a 5,300-kilometer journey. Vechernyaya Astana reported the grand arrival.
Each set of these beauties consists of four cars, ready to carry over 600 passengers at a time. And let me tell you, they're no sluggish jalopies - they can zoom along at a whopping 80 kilometers per hour!
But what's truly mind-blowing is their automation. No more bus drivers huffing and puffing their way through traffic - these babies are fully automated, with operators monitoring the action from the sidelines. Modern, lightweight, and durable materials were used to ensure a comfortable ride for all passengers, with a focus on dynamic characteristics and noise reduction.
Now, let's dive into some details:
- These babies are 59.97 meters long, 2.8 meters wide, and 3.8 meters tall.
- They draw power from a third rail at 750 volts.
- With an average operational speed of 39.5 kilometers per hour, they're efficient and reliable.
- Weighing in at a hefty 94 tons without passengers, they're sure to turn heads.
These sweet rides were procured and transported under an EPC contract, and no separate budgetary funding was necessary. So, Astana commuters, grab your passes and enjoy the smooth ride!
Fun Fact: These fully automated vehicles boast a GOA 4 automation level, accommodating automatic door opening and closing, stopping and acceleration, depot entry and exit, vehicle condition monitoring, and inter-vehicle distance control. So, sit back, relax, and let the machines do the driving!
*Sources*
[1] Sites, T. R. V. (n.d.). Light Rail Vehicle (LRV). Trains.com. Retrieved August 14, 2023, from https://www.trains.com/model-railroads/railroad-vehicles/light-rail-vehicle-lrv
These automated light rail vehicles, originating from Tangshan, China, are revolutionizing Astana's public transportation industry, bringing a touch of modern technology to finance-friendly commuting. Weighing 94 tons without passengers, they boast a GOA 4 automation level, featuring advanced functionalities such as automatic door opening and closing, and the ability to control inter-vehicle distance. Powered by a third rail at 750 volts, they are a fusion of the automotive and transportation sectors, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and reliable ride for over 600 passengers.
