MTR CRRC Qingdao Sifang EMU
| Industry | Rail transport |
|---|---|
| Founded | July 2015 |
| Founder | CRRC Qingdao Sifang |
| Products | Electric multiple unit trains |
The MTR CRRC Qingdao Sifang EMU (), also referred to as the MTR Urban Lines Vision Train or Q-Train, represents a new fleet procured by MTR Hong Kong in July 2015. This series began to phase out the older Metro-Cammell EMU (DC) units starting on 27 November 2022. The contract comprises 744 vehicles organized into 93 trainsets, constructed by the Chinese manufacturer CRRC Qingdao Sifang. This modernization effort is part of MTR’s broader upgrade plan for major urban routes such as the Kwun Tong and Island lines, with plans to extend deployment to the Tsuen Wan, Tseung Kwan O, Tung Chung, and Airport Express lines in the future.
Development
In conjunction with the transition from SACEM to the Advanced SelTrac CBTC signalling system, MTR Corporation initially intended to commission 78 eight-car trains to replace the long-serving M-Trains that have been operational since 1979. While refurbishment was originally considered for fifteen M-Trains (excluding those on the Disneyland Resort line), this approach was ultimately abandoned in favor of acquiring entirely new rolling stock. The order was subsequently increased to 93 trainsets at a cost of HK$6.05 billion (US$779 million), offering greater cost-effectiveness. These new trains are designated for use on the Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan, Island, and Tseung Kwan O lines, with full delivery anticipated by 2023. By late 2022, 19 trainsets had been delivered, although only three were in active service on the Kwun Tong line.
The introduction of these trains faced delays following a signalling system failure during a 2019 trial run on the Tsuen Wan line near Central station. MTR attributed this malfunction to installation faults by Thales, a conclusion supported by findings from the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department. Consequently, despite some Q-trains arriving as early as 2018, most units remained stored at depots without being commissioned.
Because Alstom-Thales did not provide a timely software update for SelTrac, MTR announced in March 2022 that all 93 trainsets would be retrofitted with SACEM equipment to facilitate the prompt retirement of the oldest M-trains operating on the Kwun Tong line. By the end of 2022, eight out of nineteen delivered sets had completed SACEM retrofitting. Shadow testing commenced in August 2022.
On 22 November 2022, MTR declared that Q-train services would begin on the Kwun Tong Line from 27 November onwards. The inaugural trainset (A753/A754) started carrying passengers at Choi Hung station on that date. Later, on 19 January 2024, MTR introduced Q-train operations on the Island Line with set A769/A770 entering service at Chai Wan station.
This phased launch underscores MTR’s dedication to fleet modernization and service enhancement while addressing integration challenges posed by advanced signalling technologies.
Design
The newly introduced trainsets boast improved lighting systems, dynamic route displays, double-branched handrails, soft hanging straps, vibrant flooring and leaning zones, wider doorways, and rubber gangways. Their exterior design closely resembles recent MTR models such as the S-Train, TML C-Train, and R-Train, which operate respectively on the South Island line, Tuen Ma line, and East Rail line.
All door mechanisms and coupler assemblies are provided by Faiveley. The couplers are automatic and semi-permanent types that facilitate efficient train operations.