(19.04.2013)
Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation is a sponsor at the Rail Solutions Asia two-day conference taking place from today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At the conference, Bombardier will present its experience in transit system technologies and its latest innovations for tracking the performance of transit systems in real-time.
Speaking ahead of the conference, David Allen, Vice President Asia Pacific, Systems, Bombardier Transportation, said: "Malaysia is enjoying great success with the BOMBARDIER INNOVIA driverless transit systems and BOMBARDIER CITYFLO 650 automatic train control technology. Bombardier has much more to offer Malaysia's rail industry, including BOMBARDIER ZEFIRO high speed trains and our dynamic real-time maintenance solutions, to support the continuous growth and development of the region's rail networks." He added: "Our drive to innovate is inspired by the visions of our valued customers. We are shaping the future of mobility by delivering products and services that combine energy-saving technologies with optimal safety, reliability and cost efficiency."
Bombardier is currently delivering two key projects in Malaysia. The first is for Bombardier's long-term customer Syarikat Prasarana Nasional Berhad, to expand its fleet on the Kelana Jaya line in Kuala Lumpur with both new and renovated INNOVIA Metro cars with linear-induction-motor (LIM) propulsion technology. These trains will bring much needed additional capacity to support the ongoing expansion of this important public transport network in Malaysia's capital city. The Kelana Jaya Line is one of Bombardier's earliest transit system projects in the Asia Pacific region. The system entered revenue service in 1998 with 35 two-car INNOVIA ART 200 trains. In 2011, Bombardier delivered a further 35 four-car trains to meet the increasing capacity requirements of the line. More than 220,000 passengers ride the system every day and the line is currently being extended by 17 km with 13 more stations to boost public transportation in the growing city of Kuala Lumpur.
The second key project is the advanced globally-proven CITYFLO 650 automatic train control solution for the new Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT) Sungai Buloh – Kajang (SBK) Line under construction. Bombardier won the order from line owner and developer Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn (MRT Corp) in October 2012 to design, supply, install and commission the CITYFLO 650 communications-based train control (CBTC) solution for driverless operation on the line, including 31 stations and onboard equipment for 58 trains plus a further 16 maintenance vehicles. Once completed, the 51 km SBK line will serve 1.2 million people, significantly increasing transportation connections in the Greater Kuala Lumpur area and its surrounding cities and reducing the number of cars entering the capital. As part of this contract, Bombardier has committed to develop local expertise in addition to its usual practice of working with Malaysian partners to bring long-term benefits into Malaysian industry.
Kuala Lumpur provides a superb showcase for Bombardier's mass transit technologies; however, the company is also playing a leading role in the world's new era of high speed and very high speed trains with solutions that are highly suitable for Malaysia's plans for long distance, high speed transportation. Bombardier's proven technology includes entire trains, car bodies, locomotives, propulsion systems and bogies and its numerous references from Europe, North America and China are impressive proof of its dedication to first-class technology and close business relationships. All of this expertise has been invested in the development of the state-of-the-art ZEFIRO train – the world's most economical and eco-friendly very high speed rail vehicle. It combines the highest capacity in the market with pioneering levels of passenger comfort and employs leading-edge technologies and advanced aerodynamics to reduce energy consumption.