Emepa Alerce

Emepa Group
Industry	Railcar manufacturing
Headquarters	Chascomús, Argentina
Products	Alerce railcar

The Alerce is a railcar manufactured in Argentina by the Emepa Group at their facility in Chascomús, located within Buenos Aires Province. Since 2015, these units have been operating on the narrow gauge commuter lines of the General Belgrano Railway, with a broad gauge version currently under development. Although engineered to allow straightforward conversion into Electric Multiple Units, only diesel-powered models have been produced to date. The name "Alerce" is derived from Fitzroya cupressoides, a native conifer species.

Overview

Testing of the initial Alerce prototype commenced in 2012 on the Belgrano Norte Line, running between Boulogne Sur Mer and Retiro Belgrano railway station. Following this, the National Government placed an order with Emepa for 20 units to serve this route. Each train accommodates up to 240 passengers and is equipped with advanced features such as automated doors, air conditioning, surveillance cameras, accessibility for passengers with disabilities, and onboard Wi-Fi connectivity.

The power unit is integrated into an articulated bogie positioned between two carriages, which are linked by a connecting corridor. Approximately 90% of the components are produced domestically in Argentina; however, specialized items like German braking systems and Austrian smart doors are imported. The design intentionally supports future upgrades for electrification.

In June 2015, Emepa announced the initiation of manufacturing a broad gauge version of the Alerce intended for service on the General Roca Railway.

Usage

On the narrow gauge network, the Alerce operates on select routes along the Belgrano Norte Line commuter service within Buenos Aires, stopping at major stations including Retiro Belgrano railway station and the Universidad de Buenos Aires' Ciudad Universitaria campus. Ticket prices vary from AR$1.50 to AR$17 when using a SUBE card, and from AR$3 to AR$34 without it. The travel time between Retiro and Del Viso is approximately 65 minutes. Unlike other services on this line managed by Ferrovías, this route is operated by the state-owned company Trenes Argentinos. Plans to include a stop at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery airport were abandoned due to security concerns raised by the Ministry of the Interior and Transport.

The broad gauge variant of the Alerce is assigned to rural routes on the General Roca Railway, running between Constitución railway station and Dolores, with stops at all intermediate stations.

In April 2018, Emepa completed delivery of the final two units out of 20 Alerce vehicles commissioned for regional lines such as the Tren de las Sierras in Córdoba Province and services between Salta and Gral. Güemes in Salta Province. An additional two coaches were incorporated into the Salta route in 2020, thereby increasing regional rail capacity.

Overview

Usage

See also