NS 93

NS 93

NS 93 approaching Pedrero-Mirador station on Line 5.
In service 1997 - Current
Manufacturer GEC Alsthom
Formation 6 cars (Line 5)
7 cars (Line 1 and 5)
8 cars (Line 1)
Capacity 720 passengers, 242 seats
Operator Metro S.A. (Santiago Metro)
Line(s) served Lines 1 and 5
Specifications
Maximum speed 80 km/h (50 mph)
Power output 2,800 kW (3,800 hp)
Electric system(s) 750 V DC Guide bars on either side of the track
Current collection method Horizontal contact shoe
A vertical contact shoe sliding on the rails provides grounding.
Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 12 in), rubber tired wheels outside of the steel wheels.

The NS 93 (Neumático Santiago 1993) is the third generation of rubber tired rolling stock used on the Santiago Metro system. The trains were manufactured by GEC Alsthom (now Alstom) in 1996 and went into operation in 1997. Originally designed for use on Line 5, the trains first operated on Line 2 prior to the opening of Line 5.

Features

The design of the NS 93 follows the same design as the MP 89 stock from the Paris Métro, thus the exterior of the two trains are virtually identical (with the exception of exterior livery). The trains are also articulated, which allows for better capacity during peak hours. Unlike their Parisian counterparts however, the NS 93 operates in 6 car formations on Line 5 (SN-NP-NNS), 7 car formations on Lines 1 and 5 (SN-NP-NRNS), and 8 car formations on Line 1 (NNS-NRNS). As a result, the trains can operate in 90, 105, and 120 meter lengths, depending which line they are assigned to. The length of each car is 14.88 meters (15.38 meters for cars containing the driver's cab).

The interior of the NS 93 is graced with a cream white scheme with orange plastic seating. Each trainset is also equipped with a surveillance system (SACEM), which the MP 89 does not have. In 2010, automated station announcements were added to all trains.

Other Specifications

Incidents

On February 7, 2012, a train en route to one of the garages derailed near a condominium complex and playground. The train was not in service at the time and was only operating in testing mode following repair work. No injuries were reported, but the train and surrounding property, including four vehicles, suffered substantial damage.[1][2]

References