Alstom Metropolis C751A
| Company type | Electric multiple unit train |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | January 1, 2000 |
| Founder | Alstom |
| Headquarters | Valenciennes , France |
| Products | Electric multiple units for Singapore MRT North East line |
| Parent | Alstom |
Alstom Metropolis C751A
The Alstom Metropolis C751A represents the first generation of electric multiple unit (EMU) trains equipped with communications-based train control (CBTC) technology deployed on Singapore's North East line since 2003. A total of 25 trainsets, consisting of 150 cars, were acquired specifically for this route.
Constructed by Alstom at their Valenciennes plant in France between 2000 and 2003, these trains feature welded aluminium car bodies arranged in six-car formations. Each set is capable of carrying up to 1,920 passengers, including seating for 298, designed to meet the demands of high-capacity urban transit.
The C751A is powered by Alstom’s ONIX 1500 GTO–VVVF traction system, utilizing sixteen asynchronous motors rated at 150 kW each, summing to a total output of 2.4 MW. These trains are engineered for a maximum speed of 100 km/h, although operational speeds are limited to 90 km/h. They provide acceleration at 1.1 m/s² and feature emergency braking deceleration at 1.3 m/s².
Incorporating the Alstom URBALIS 300 CBTC system, the trains operate under Grade of Automation 4 (GoA 4), enabling fully automated, driverless operation. Safety is ensured through integrated subsystems such as ATP, Iconis ATS, and Smartlock CBI. The braking system combines regenerative braking with electronically controlled pneumatic brakes to optimize energy conservation and operational dependability.
Maintenance for this fleet is conducted at Sengkang Depot under the management of SBS Transit Ltd, a subsidiary of ComfortDelGro Corporation. Since 2019, CRRC Nanjing Puzhen has been leading refurbishment initiatives expected to continue through 2026, aimed at extending service life and enhancing passenger comfort. Presently, 23 trainsets remain active while two are undergoing refurbishment.
Operational history and overview
In February 1997, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) shortlisted manufacturers for supplying rolling stock for the North East Line (NEL). By January 1998, GEC Alsthom (now known as Alstom) was awarded Contract 751A to provide 25 six-car trainsets. These trains are part of Alstom’s Metropolis series of urban EMUs and uniquely draw electrical power from a 1,500 V DC overhead catenary system.
The C751A trains were Singapore’s pioneering fully driverless MRT units and introduced uniform seat color schemes throughout each carriage. Although driverless operation is standard, SBS Transit employs rover operators who can manually control trains if necessary. Alstom outfitted these trains with the URBALIS 300 moving-block CBTC Automatic Train Control system, which improves headway management and allows flexible insertion of additional trains during peak periods to increase capacity and alleviate congestion. Depot processes are fully automated using the IAGO two-way continuous transmission system, complemented by station-based automatic train supervision and Eurobalise spot transmission technology.
The interior design includes a consistent palette featuring two-tone beige and purplish blue seats, indigo flooring, and beige-cream wall panels. The exterior presents a white and black color scheme accented with red and purple stripes. Unlike newer models, the C751A lacks a middle window cutout due to space occupied by an earlier detrainment ramp design. Platform gap fillers have been retrofitted across all units.
Each train is equipped with a Visual Passenger Information System (VPIS) that displays current and upcoming station names, door-closing warnings, and occasionally date and time information. Since 2015, certain sets have been modified by adding four rows in standing areas to enhance passenger circulation.
Refurbishment
In December 2018, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) revealed plans to carry out a mid-life upgrade for all 25 units of the first-generation C751A trains, beginning in 2019. The contract for these enhancements, valued at $116.7 million, was awarded to CRRC Nanjing Puzhen. The refurbishment includes replacing interior elements such as seats, wall panels, and flooring materials. The original set of six LCD screens positioned above certain seats, which provided travel information and safety instructions, have been removed. In their place, new LTA LCD Dynamic Route Map Displays (DRMD) will be installed above each doorway, mirroring the display systems found on newer MRT models like the T251 and R151. Additionally, both air-conditioning and ventilation systems will be modernized.
The external paint scheme will largely remain the same, with the exception of smaller SBS Transit logos placed on the gangway ends, reflecting previous corporate branding. The refurbishment project is anticipated to be completed by the first quarter of 2026.
The initial refurbished trainset (7013/7014) returned to operational service on 28 February 2022. As of 5 June 2025, a total of 19 trains have undergone refurbishment, two are currently in the process, while four units are yet to be upgraded.
Train formation
The C751A trainsets are configured in a DT–Mp–Mi+Mi–Mp–DT arrangement.
| Car Classification | Driver Cab | Motorised | Pantograph Equipped | Length per Car | Wheelchair Accessible Bay | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| meters | feet & inches | |||||
| DM | Yes | No | No | 23.65 | 77 ft 7.1 in | No |
| Mp | No | Yes | Yes | 22.8 | 74 ft 9.6 in | No |
| Mi | No | Yes | No | 22.8 | 74 ft 9.6 in | Yes |
Train car numbering ranges from 7x001 through 7x050, where 'x' represents the specific car type. Each six-car trainset consists of two identical halves, each made up of one driving trailer (DT) and two motor cars (Mi and Mp) that are permanently coupled together. For instance, trainset 7013/7014 comprises cars numbered 71013, 72013, 73013, 73014, 72014, and 71014.
- The initial digit is always '7'.
- The second digit indicates the car type: '1' for the first car, '2' for the second car, and '3' for the third.
- The third digit remains '0'.
- The last two digits serve as unique identifiers for each trainset; a full six-car unit has two such numbers (e.g., 7013/7014).
- All sets from 7001/7002 up to 7049/7050 were constructed by Alstom.