ViaMobilidade Series 8900
| Industry | Rail transport manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Taubaté , Brazil |
| Products | Electric multiple unit trains |
The ViaMobilidade Series 8900 represents a fleet of electric multiple unit trains produced by Alstom specifically for service on ViaMobilidade Lines 8-Diamond and 9-Emerald. The initial unit commenced operation in 2023. Each trainset consists of eight cars equipped with air conditioning and interconnected gangways, allowing uninterrupted passenger movement throughout the entire train. This model adopts a new design standard set by CPTM, inspired by the Series 9000 train family, aimed at improving both rider comfort and operational performance.
Background
The concession agreement for Lines 8 and 9 of the Metropolitan Train network included a clause mandating the incoming operator to procure 30 new trains—a figure later increased to 34—with deliveries required within 18 months following contract finalization. Prior to the concession award, Folha de S. Paulo reported that Chinese manufacturer CRRC Qingdao Sifang was favored due to its capability to meet the stringent deadline of delivering the first train within 12 months.
In earlier procurement rounds, manufacturers operating Brazilian facilities such as Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) and Hyundai Rotem encountered significant delivery delays with Series 8500 and Series 9500 trains, which led CPTM to impose fines amounting to R$8.37 million and R$4.27 million respectively. Additionally, Alstom and CAF’s Series 200 trains supplied for the Porto Alegre Metro exhibited twenty manufacturing faults, resulting in a 2% penalty on the contract after six years due to necessary repairs.
During the bidding process for Lines 8 and 9, CAF collaborated with the Mobitrens consortium—comprising Comport, Líder, and Consbem—while other contenders submitted independent bids. On 20 April 2021, the São Paulo state government granted the concession to ViaMobilidade Linhas 8 e 9 consortium (a partnership between Grupo CCR and RuasInvest), with Mobitrens finishing as runner-up.
Construction
Within three months of contract signing, ViaMobilidade appointed Alstom to manufacture a total of 36 trains—including two units intended to replace damaged CPTM Series 7000 trains—amounting to 288 railcars.
Production takes place at Alstom’s newly established facility in Taubaté. However, supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the importation of electronic components, affecting delivery timelines. By November 2022, construction was underway on 22 cars, with the first train originally planned for delivery in January 2022.
The inaugural train was officially handed over on 28 February 2023 at Presidente Altino Yard. Due to these delays, ViaMobilidade imposed penalties on Alstom, while Governor Tarcísio de Freitas announced an updated schedule for subsequent deliveries.
Accidents and incidents
- On 21 June 2023, the first train experienced a malfunction between João Dias and Santo Amaro stations. Passengers were safely evacuated; however, damages occurred when a window was broken amid evacuation-related panic. No injuries were reported.