MRTC 3000 class explained

Background:
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MRTC 3000 class
Code:RT8D5M
Stocktype:Light rail vehicle
Interiorimage:MRT-3 RT8D5M interior (LRV 3022) 2021-12-19.jpg
Interiorcaption:Train interior captured in December 2021
Service:1999 - present
Manufacturer:ČKD Tatra
Designer:Patrik Kotas (cs)
Assembly:Prague, Czech Republic
Family:Tatra KT8D5
Yearconstruction:1995 (prototype)
1997 - 1999
Numberbuilt:73 vehicles and 1 prototype
Numberservice:60 vehicles (20 sets)
Numberscrapped:1 prototype
Formation:3 cars per trainset
Fleetnumbers:3001 - 3073
Capacity:1,182 passengers (222 seats)
Operator:Department of Transportation
Depots:North Avenue
Lines: Line 3
Carbody:Low alloy high tensile steel (body shell)
Aluminum sheets (ceiling)
Carlength:31.72abbr=onNaNabbr=on
Width:2.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on
Height:3.73abbr=onNaNabbr=on
Floorheight:925abbr=onNaNabbr=on
Platformheight:900abbr=onNaNabbr=on
Doors:Double-leaf plug-type; 5 per side
Art-Sections:3
Wheeldiameter: (new–worn)
Maxspeed:65km/h (design)
60km/h (service)
Weight:46.8t
Deceleration: (service)
(emergency)
Traction:ČKD Trakce TV14Z IGBT chopper
Transmission:Cardan drive (7:42 gear ratio)
Aux:3 × 480 V AC 60 Hz static converter
2 × 24 V DC batteries
Hvac:Thermo King roof-mounted air-conditioning
Electricsystem: overhead catenary
Collectionmethod:Faiveley single-arm pantograph
Uicclass:Bo′+Bo′+Bo′+Bo′
Bogies:Inside-frame type
Minimum Curve:20m (70feet)
Brakes:Regenerative and rheostatic with discs and track brakes
Safety:Alstom CITYFLO 250 fixed block with subsystems of EBICAB 900 ATP, EBI Screen 900 CTC, and EBI Lock 950 CBI
Coupling:Scharfenberg
Light:LED lamp
Traction Motors:8 × ČKD Trakce TE026A01-4 64.5kW DC shunt-winding motor
Seating:Longitudinal
Notes:Sourced from [1] [2] unless otherwise noted.

The MRTC 3000 class or ČKD Tatra RT8D5M LRV is a first-generation class of high-floor uni-directional light rail vehicles built by Czech tram manufacturer ČKD Tatra. The LRVs are owned by Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC), operated by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) thru DOTr MRT-3, and is currently used on the Manila MRT Line 3. ČKD Tatra RT8D5M LRVs were the last vehicles made by ČKD Tatra before it was taken over by Siemens.

Operational history

Purchase and production

Construction of the MRT Line 3 began in 1996 when the then-Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC; later the Department of Transportation) entered into a build-lease-transfer agreement with the Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC). MRTC signed a contract with ČKD Tatra in 1997 to supply the trains.[3]

Aside from a prototype, 73 light rail cars are produced by ČKD in two batches; 49 were produced in 1998 and the other 24 were completed the following year. The first train was flown into Manila via plane while the remaining trains were transported by sea. The fleet also happens to be the last produced by ČKD before it was taken over by Siemens.

Prototype RT8D5 0029

In March 1995 the first three-car tram was tested in Prague under the number 0029 as a prototype. It was a development of the Tatra KT8D5; 0029 retained its control, proportions, the front and rear sections, and unlike the later production vehicles, designed for bidirectional operation. Prototype 0029 remained in Prague and it was used in October to November 1998 together with the Tatra T5A5 prototype, tram no. 0013, and the T3 no. 6663 for various crash tests in the main workshop in Hostivař before being eventually scrapped.

Refurbishments and upgrades

All 73 light rail vehicles (LRV) were first refurbished from 2008 to 2009 by Sumitomo Corporation, its technical partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering (MHIENG), and its subsidiary TES Philippines Inc. (TESP). The aging air-conditioning units of the trains since 1999 were replaced with new ones.[4] The interior and exterior of the trains were also refurbished.[5]

In 2016, Busan Universal Rail, Inc. (BURI) initiated the second overhaul of the trains. Forty-three light rail vehicles were to be overhauled as part of its three-year maintenance contract with the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC; later the Department of Transportation [DOTr]). The refurbished cars underwent a body repaint and installation of new air-conditioning units from Thermo King. However, DOTr terminated its contract with BURI on November 6, 2017, with only three vehicles refurbished.[6]

When Sumitomo, Mitsubishi, and TESP returned as the line's maintenance providers on May 1, 2019, they continued the second refurbishment of the trains. It consists of the installation of new choppers, traction motors, wheels, pantographs, new air conditioning units from Thermo King (a replacement program for the air conditioning units began as early as 2018); the repainting of the train's exteriors and interiors; and the fitting of new lighting installations throughout the trains.[7] SKD Trade, a. s., the company that produces spare parts for trains made by ČKD Tatra, became part of the overhaul project and provided spare parts.[8] On October 29, 2020, the first newly overhauled train underwent a test run at a speed of 50km/h.[9] Initially expected to be completed in May 2023, the refurbishment of all 72 light rail vehicles (LRVs) was completed three months ahead of schedule on February 2, 2023.[10]

120 new Thermo King air conditioning units were ordered for 40 LRVs.[11] The installation of the new air-conditioning units on all trains were completed on June 18, 2021.[12]

Four-car operations

Since 2016, plans to operate in a four-car configuration from the current three were laid. On March 9, 2022, a four-car 3000 class trainset underwent a dynamic test run on the main line for the first time.[13] Two four-car trains were deployed on March 28, subsequently increased to four.[14] Although full conversion was initially planned to be achieved by 2023,[15] all trains reverted to the existing 3-car configuration a few months after the months-long free rides ended.

Design

The LRV design is a one-way eight-axle motorized car consisting of three articulated cars, which are connected to each other by the joint and the cover. The RT8D5M operates as built on the high-speed city rail system with high platforms and in tropical conditions.

Car body

The car body is made of low-alloy high-tensile steel, while the ceiling is made of aluminum sheets.

Unlike the prototype 0029, these cars have rounded "foreheads" or beveled large windows at both ends.

The trains wear a livery consisting of royal blue, red, and white. Under the "Metrostar Express" branding, the white portion contains the brand logo and lettering on the sides. However, since 2012, the branding has since been unused.[16] The trains also usually wore wrap ads—unlike the LRTA 1200 class which wear ads as a whole trainset, the 3000 class are seen to wear wrap ads per car.

Each light rail vehicle has three roof-mounted air-conditioning units manufactured by Thermo King. In total, there are nine air-conditioning units in a three-car train set.

LRV 044 used to have experimental exterior lights above the doors in 2017. However, the lights were removed when Sumitomo refurbished and renumbered LRV 044 as 3044 in 2021.

Interior

Each train car has a capacity of 74 seated passengers and 320 standing passengers. Under crush loading conditions, each car can carry 394 commuters at any one time. A 3-car trainset can carry 1,182 passengers. Seats are longitudinal-type.

Each car has five double leaf, electronically operated, plug-sliding doors. The three center doors have an open width of 1255mm while the two end doors at 861mm. The doors have a height of .

The Passenger Assist Railway Display System (PARDS), a passenger information system powered by LCD screens installed near the ceiling of the train that shows news, advertisements, current train location, arrivals and station layouts, are already installed inside the trains. However, as of 2022, the LCD screens remain switched off. PARDS is also installed on trains on LRT lines 1 and 2.[17]

Mechanical

Each LRV has inside-frame bogies, consisting of four motorized bogies. The primary suspension is a steel spring and the secondary suspension is a wound-up steel spring. Scharfenberg couplers are present in the ends of the light rail vehicles.

Electrical

The electrical and traction systems of the RT8D5M trains are supplied by ČKD Trakce. The propulsion is controlled by choppers with IGBT thyristors. The traction motors consist of eight DC series-wound/wave armature winding self ventilated motors. The traction motors have a Class H insulation class for the rotor and a Class F insulation class for the stator. The motors comply with IEC 349 standards. Each motor has a power output of 64.5kW. The motors are rated with a voltage of 375 volts, a current of 190 amps, and a speed of 1946 revolutions per minute (rpm) with a maximum speed of 4350 rpm.

Auxiliary power is sourced from 480-volt AC static converters and two 24-volt DC batteries.

Signaling and safety equipment

The trains are equipped with the EBICAB 900 Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. Some onboard signaling equipment consist of vehicle logic units (VLUs), driver panels, and antennas. The original VLUs were manufactured by Bombardier Transportation (acquired by Alstom in 2021). The VLUs are the primary automatic safety devices for the trains.[18]

In 2017, it was revealed that the original VLUs were stolen and replaced with unauthorized parts.[19] An audit report by Bombardier Transportation showed that 99% of the trains were using fake parts.[20] According to the inventory conducted in all cars, the other cars were equipped with ABB, ABB Daimler-Benz or DaimlerChrysler-branded VLUs.

The EBICAB 900 ATP system is integrated with the Alstom CITYFLO 250 signaling solution.

Train formation

Each unidirectional light rail vehicle consists of three articulated cars.

Car designation! A-car! B-car! C-car
Control cab
Motor
Pantograph
Car lengthm31.72
ft in31.72m (104.07feet)
CapacitySeated74
Standing320
Total394

Incidents

See also

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Tramcar RT8D5M Model Basic Features . skd.cz . October 31, 2020 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20180303214843/http://www.skd.cz/EN/tramvaje/RT8D5M.htm . March 3, 2018.
  2. 1993 CKD Tatra LRT-3 Ad. ČKD Tatra. 1993. December 16, 2022.
  3. Web site: About. dotrmrt3.gov.ph. 2021-10-24.
  4. News: Aerol John. Pateña. DOTr apologizes over MRT aircon leak. Philippine News Agency. August 8, 2018. August 7, 2021. It said the ACUs were last replaced in 2008 as part of the system’s first general overhaul eight years after it started operating in 2000..
  5. Photo of MRT-3 ČKD Tatra RT8D5M light rail vehicle (LRV) being refurbished during the first round of general overhaul works under Sumitomo-TESP between years 2008 and 2009. 22 July 2021. 8 November 2021.
  6. News: Faye. Orellana. DOTr blames former maintenance provider BURI for MRT-3 woes. Philippine Daily Inquirer. January 25, 2018. August 7, 2021.
  7. News: MRT-3 rehab underway with return of Sumitomo . Richmond . Mercurio . The Philippine Star . May 2, 2019 . February 26, 2021.
  8. Web site: CZECH REPUBLIC - PARTNER FOR MRT 3 IMPROVEMENT. Facebook. September 7, 2021.
  9. News: MRT-3 conducts test runs on overhauled train at 50 kph. Raymond Carl. Dela Cruz. October 29, 2020. Philippine News Agency. November 8, 2021.
  10. News: MRT-3 completes overhaul of coaches . February 3, 2023 . Emmie V. . Abadilla . Manila Bulletin . February 3, 2023.
  11. News: Mia. Rodriguez. Get Ready for a Chiller MRT-3 Ride in 2020. spot.ph. 2020-01-02. 2022-01-09.
  12. News: Clara. Rosales. MRT-3 Rides Grow Cooler As All Trains Get New Aircon Units. reportr.world. 2021-06-18. 2022-01-09.
  13. News: MRT eyes 4-car train setup after successful 'dynamic testing' . Raymond Carl . Dela Cruz . March 11, 2022 . March 28, 2022 . Philippine News Agency .
  14. News: MRT-3 starts month-long free ride, deploys 4-car train set . March 28, 2022 . Aaron . Recuenco . Manila Bulletin . March 28, 2022.
  15. News: MRT-3 eyes 4-car configuration for all trains next year: official . Job . Manahan . ABS-CBN News . March 29, 2022 . June 8, 2024 .
  16. MRT-3 Brands Through the Years . July 28, 2021 . April 5, 2022.
  17. News: Passenger information system to be installed in LRT, MRT . December 12, 2020 . BusinessWorld . March 27, 2019.
  18. News: Patrick. Garcia. Ellson. Quismorio. Nograles wants deeper probe on VLU mess after MRT 3 fire. Manila Bulletin. 2018-01-29. 2022-01-18.
  19. News: Patrizia Paola C.. Marcelo. Busan Rail files graft case vs DoTR official. BusinessWorld. 2017-09-21. 2022-01-18.
  20. News: Tugade, DOTr refuse to reveal Bombardier report showing 99% of MRT-3 trains using fake parts: Kaya pala MRTirik araw-araw!. Politiko. January 28, 2018. January 18, 2022.
  21. News: Geronimo, Gian . MRT train coach catches fire near Kamuning Station . GMA News Online . November 3, 2012 . September 6, 2019.
  22. News: 10 passengers hurt as MRT train makes sudden stop . Fernandez . Amanda . November 21, 2021 . GMA News Online . March 26, 2014.
  23. Web site: MRT-3 Gets Derailed . August 13, 2014 . Buhaykolehiyo . Pineda . Mj Lising . https://web.archive.org/web/20141025065223/http://buhaykolehiyo.com/2014/08/mrt-gets-derailed/ . October 25, 2014.
  24. News: Camus, Miguel R. . DOTC: Human error blamed for MRT-3 train accident; 4 train workers face raps . June 6, 2020 . Inquirer.net . August 19, 2014.
  25. Photo of LRV 003 at North Avenue depot . June 18, 2020 . April 5, 2022.
  26. News: MRT train continues run with one of its doors open. Aries Joseph. Hegina. 3 September 2014. Philippine Daily Inquirer. 2021-11-30.
  27. News: MRT operations temporarily stopped after seat catches fire. Rappler. 18 September 2017. 5 November 2021.
  28. News: Up to 140 riders evacuated from 'detached train' . GMA News Online . November 16, 2017 . November 16, 2017 . Nicole-Anne . Lagrimas.
  29. News: MRT emits smoke – again. Rappler. January 26, 2018. January 18, 2022.
  30. News: Aika. Rey. Aircon leak causes 'rain' inside MRT3. Rappler. August 8, 2018. July 8, 2021.
  31. News: Galvez . Daphne . MRT-3 resumes normal ops from North to Taft stations after train emits smoke . Inquirer.net . November 4, 2019 . January 17, 2022.
  32. News: Robie. de Guzman. MRT-3 says train smoke emission due to short circuit in traction motor. UNTV News. 2019-11-07. 2022-01-17.
  33. News: MRT management looking for witnesses after train vandalism. ABS-CBN News. Jacque. Manabat. May 13, 2021. May 13, 2021.
  34. Web site: Malinis na at napapatakbo na sa mainline ang isang train car o bagon ng MRT-3 na matatandaang ginawan ng bandalismo noong ika-12 ng Mayo 2021.. Facebook. 25 May 2021.
  35. JUST IN: Bagon ng MRT-3 malapit sa Guadalupe station (NB), nagliyab.. Facebook Watch. GMA News. 16:9. October 9, 2021. October 9, 2021.
  36. News: Daniza. Fernandez. 10 October 2021. MRT-3 fire injures 8 passengers. Philippine Daily Inquirer. 10 October 2021.
  37. News: MRT-3 resumes full operation after fire. Ma. Teresa. Montemayor. October 10, 2021. Philippine News Agency. October 10, 2021.
  38. News: One hurt after unidentified suspect hurls stone at MRT3 train coach. GMA News and Public Affairs. 21 November 2021. 21 November 2021.
  39. News: Suspek sa pambabato sa MRT3 na ikinasugat ng 1 pasahero, arestado. GMA News. fil. 21 November 2021. 21 November 2021.