Alstom Metropolis BM4
| Industry | Rail transport |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Taubaté , Brazil |
| Products | Metro trains |
The Alstom Metropolis BM4 (representing the Bucharest Metro’s fourth generation) is a series of metro trains crafted specifically for the Bucharest Metro. As of 2023, Alstom has produced 13 trainsets, each composed of six cars, at its manufacturing plant located in Taubaté, Brazil.
By November 2024, the unit numbered 1402-2402 and named "Giurgiu" commenced dynamic testing on line M2, operating between Berceni and Tudor Arghezi stations. Additionally, CBTC trials on line M5 are planned for the summer of 2025.
History
The procurement of these trains was finalized on November 3, 2020, after a competitive bidding process that included Alstom, CAF, Hyundai Rotem, Metrowagonmash, and a joint venture between Astra Arad and CRRC Qingdao Sifang.
This order came subsequent to the annulment of a framework agreement signed in 2015 with CAF, which was terminated due to corruption allegations involving Metrorex and CAF.
Alstom’s contract covers the supply of 13 trainsets for the initial phase of line M5, with an option to acquire an additional 17 units for the subsequent phase connecting Eroilor and Piața Iancului.
Manufacturing is carried out at Alstom’s Taubaté facility, which underwent expansion in November 2022 to accommodate projects linked to Bucharest, Taipei, São Paulo, and Santiago de Chile.
Although deliveries were initially slated for summer 2022, they were postponed to April 2024 because of production setbacks. This delay prompted Metrorex to impose penalties exceeding €20 million.
Alstom cited disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine as key factors affecting supply chains. Moreover, a design complication surfaced involving an S-curve near Romancierilor station that was tighter than originally specified; this necessitated a redesign. In January 2024, Metrorex provisionally accepted the updated "Giurgiu" unit, authorizing continuation of serial production.
Additional postponements resulted from logistical hurdles: due to concerns about Russian mines in the Black Sea, direct shipments through the Port of Constanța were avoided. Instead, deliveries were rerouted via the Port of Hamburg followed by road transport to Bucharest.
Design and features
The BM4 model is based on the Vagn 2000 platform, first introduced with the Bombardier MOVIA 346 trains and further refined in the CAF Inneo BM3 series. Its front-end styling mirrors the final iteration of Bombardier MOVIA trains before Alstom’s acquisition in 2021 and bears resemblance to Singapore’s MOVIA R151. The exterior paint scheme draws inspiration from the CAF Inneo BM3, incorporating an orange stripe that signifies its service on line M5.
Arranged in an R1–MP1–M1–M2–MP2–R2 configuration (where R stands for Trailer Car, MP for Power Car equipped with Shunting Pantograph, and M for Power Car), the BM4 incorporates multiple advancements. It is equipped with six sizable HVAC units—the first implementation on Bucharest Metro trains—alongside enhanced security systems featuring CCTV cameras. Passenger experience is improved through LCD information displays, larger windows for better visibility, and stainless steel seating. The driver cabins have been engineered for quick removal to facilitate future conversion to driverless operation.
Roster
Continuing the naming tradition established by Bombardier MOVIA 346 and CAF Inneo BM3 trains, Metrorex assigns names of Romanian counties to each BM4 trainset:
- 1401-2401 "Ilfov"
- 1402-2402 "Giurgiu"
- 1403-2403 "Teleorman"
- 1404-2404 "Sălaj"
- 1405-2405 "Sibiu"
- 1406-2406 "Cluj"
- 1407-2407 "Iași"
- 1408-2408 "Constanța"
- 1409-2409 "Brașov"
- 1410-2410 "Maramureș"
- 1411-2411 "Bihor"
- 1412-2412 "Galați"
- 1413-2413