MTR CNR Changchun EMU
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport manufacturing |
| Predecessor | CNR group (former parent) |
| Fate | Integrated into CRRC |
| Headquarters | Changchun , China |
| Products | Electric multiple unit trains |
| Parent | CRRC |
The Changchun EMU, also referred to as the CNR Changchun EMU, is a type of electric multiple unit train utilized by Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway network. These trains are produced by Changchun Railway Vehicles, a subsidiary formerly under the CNR group, now integrated into CRRC. Notably, this series represents MTR's inaugural heavy-rail rolling stock manufactured within Mainland China, differing from earlier fleets imported from countries such as England, Japan, various European nations, and South Korea.
Two primary versions exist: the C-Train, an eight-car formation operated with drivers mainly on the Kwun Tong line; and the S-Train, a three-car driverless unit deployed on the South Island line starting from its opening in December 2016. Furthermore, comparable models designated as TML C-Train were procured for the Tuen Ma line, entering service on the Ma On Shan line in March 2017, though their design more closely aligns with the older SP1900 EMU trains.
History
Conceived over an 18-month period, the inaugural C-Train was assembled at CNR’s manufacturing facility on 6 December 2010 and subsequently transported to Hong Kong by 28 April 2011. By mid-October of that year, four trainsets had arrived and commenced testing along the Kwun Tong line, with passenger service initially targeted for November 2011.
On 22 July 2011, MTR placed an order for 12 eight-car C-Trains to support fleet expansion associated with the West Island line extension, alongside 10 three-car S-Trains intended for phase one of the South Island line.
The debut C-Train entered operational service on the Kwun Tong line on 7 December 2011. The final eight-car unit was delivered on 5 September 2013 and shortly thereafter began carrying passengers. S-Trains started running on 28 December 2016, coinciding with the South Island line’s inauguration.
Kwun Tong line (contract number C6554-07E - 22 sets)
Trains assigned to the Kwun Tong line comprise eight-car sets featuring motorized intermediate cars (types B and C), while the control cars (type A) remain unpowered. Each trainset contains three C-type cars fitted with pantographs. Differing from the K-Train and CAF-Train, these units incorporate double-leaf sliding doors—a design element first introduced with the M-Train. They are also equipped with 22-inch LCD screens delivering infotainment such as news updates and announcements through MTR In-Train TV, which has become standard for subsequent MTR rolling stock.
| Kwun Tong line train car types | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car type | Control cab | Traction motor | Pantograph | auto- coupler |
Car length (mm) | No. of seats | Wheelchair space | Number in fleet | |
| A control cab car | O | X | X | O | 23090 | 45 | 1 | 28 | |
| B motor car | X | O | X | X | 21600 | 39 | 3 | 42 | |
| C pantograph car | X | O | O | O | 21600 | 39 | 3 | 42 | |
South Island line (contract C6554-12E - 10 trainsets)
The trains operating on the South Island line resemble the Alstom Metropolis model, featuring pantographs mounted on the end cars (A). Each of the three cars in these sets is powered, with no unpowered trailer cars included. These driverless, fully automated trains omit traditional driver cabins, instead offering passengers unobstructed forward views; however, personnel are present during peak periods to manually operate the trains if necessary, complying with requirements from the Hong Kong Fire Services Department. The trains are distinguished by unique interior designs, color schemes, and headlight configurations. Following a design phase lasting 16 months, all ten three-car trainsets were introduced into service.
| Types of cars in South Island line trains | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car category | Control panel | Traction motor | Pantograph | Automatic coupler |
Car length (mm) | Seating capacity | Wheelchair accommodation | Fleet quantity | |
| A car with control panel & pantograph | O | O | O | O | 22770 | 45 | 1 | 20 | |
| B motorized car | X | O | X | X | 21600 | 39 | 2 | 10 | |
In popular culture
Damaged C-Train units are featured in the movie Cesium Fallout, although their portrayal does not align with historical accuracy.
