Vibrant Express
| Industry | Public transport |
|---|---|
| Founded | October 1, 1975 |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong , Hong Kong |
Area served | Hong Kong, Mainland China |
| Products | Rail transport services, including Vibrant Express high-speed trains |
| Owner | Hong Kong government |
| Website | www |
Vibrant Express (), also referred to as MTR CRH380A or MTR380A, is a high-speed train operated by the Hong Kong government-owned transit company MTR. This fleet was produced by the Chinese state-owned manufacturer CSR Qingdao Sifang (currently CRRC Qingdao Sifang), based on the China Railway CRH380A Hexie EMUs. The Hong Kong government, through MTR, procured nine 8-car trainsets, which were delivered between 2016 and 2017. Notably, this is the first high-speed train made by CRRC that is not run by China Railway.
The Vibrant Express operates along the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link, connecting West Kowloon station with Guangzhou South station. Constructed with aluminium alloy car bodies and fibreglass head-tips, each trainset spans 203 meters and offers seating for 581 passengers—68 in first class and 511 in second class. The trains reach speeds up to 200 km/h within Hong Kong and can accelerate to 300 km/h on the stretch between Shenzhen North and Guangzhou South.
Each train is equipped with 24 CSR Zhuzhou Electric YQ-365 outer fan-cooled three-phase AC induction motors producing a combined output of 9.6 MW. Traction is managed through Zhuzhou CSR Times Electric water-cooled IGBT-VVVF inverters paired with Twin-Disc drive transmissions. Safety protocols are governed by the Chinese Train Control System (CTCS) Level 3. Maintenance activities for the fleet take place at Shek Kong Stabling Sidings.
This rolling stock underpins MTR’s objective to improve cross-border rail connectivity and expand passenger throughput on the high-speed corridor linking Hong Kong with major economic centers in mainland China.
Overview
The Vibrant Express derives from the CRH380A EMU family, originally developed and manufactured by CSR.
In April 2011, MTR launched a selective invitation to tender (Contract 840) for rolling stock intended for use on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL), specifying nine 8-car trainsets capable of reaching a maximum speed of . By March 2012, CSR Qingdao Sifang secured the contract valued at HK$1.74 billion.
The initial trainset arrived at Hong Kong’s River Trade Terminal in Tuen Mun District on 26 September 2016 before being transferred to Shek Kong Stabling Sidings and Emergency Rescue station for preparation.
Commercial service commenced on 23 September 2018 from West Kowloon station, covering the Hong Kong segment of the XRL. The inaugural journey featured train MTR-0252 transporting passengers from West Kowloon to Shenzhen North station.
Operations were halted on 30 January 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a suspension of all high-speed rail services in Hong Kong. Services recommenced on 8 January 2023 following this interruption.
Technical specifications
The train's carriages are constructed using two primary materials: an aluminium alloy forms the majority of the bodywork, selected for its lightweight nature combined with high durability, which supports safe operation at elevated speeds. The nose cone is crafted from fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP), chosen for its capacity to be molded into intricate aerodynamic profiles essential for the train's front end, while also providing robust structural integrity. Initially, differing thermal expansion rates between these materials led to issues with paint detachment. This was addressed by implementing dual gasket rings on the nose cone, enabling independent painting processes. This design element sets it apart from CRH380A units managed by China Railway, which utilize a single gasket ring.
Significant technical enhancements encompass:
- Improved resistance to collisions and fire hazards, enhanced electromagnetic compatibility, among other attributes.
- Streamlined aerodynamic shape minimizing air resistance.
- Upgrades to bogie design and internal structural layout.
- Robust airtightness achieved through fully sealed pressurization with differential pressure regulation, restricting pressure fluctuations to approximately 0.2 kPa per second.
- Advanced noise suppression via specialized absorption materials and sound barriers, maintaining cabin noise levels between 67 and 69 decibels at 350 km/h.
- Axle load held steady at 15 tonnes despite increased mass from stronger traction systems and reinforced structural components.
- Energy-efficient regenerative braking system.
- Passenger interface designed for ergonomic comfort.
- Exterior signage employs MTR typefaces, incorporating MTR Song for Chinese characters (both Traditional and Simplified—the latter introduced here in Hong Kong for the first time) and Myriad MM for alphanumeric characters.
Travel classes
The Vibrant Express utilizes the same class designations as China Railway's G-series high-speed services.
Passengers may choose between two seating classes: standard (second) and first class. Unlike the related CRH380A trainsets, this service does not include premium or business class sections nor buffet cars, reflecting its function as a short-distance route connecting Guangzhou South with West Kowloon.
Facilities offered consist of complimentary Wi-Fi access, overhead luggage compartments, multi-standard power outlets installed in every carriage, reclining seats equipped with foldable tables, and two designated wheelchair spaces located in the seventh car. First class seats additionally provide footrests.
Second class consists of 511 seats spread across six intermediate coaches arranged in a 3-2 seating pattern featuring upholstery in shades of orange, grey, and red; coat hooks are installed adjacent to windows. First class contains 68 seats arranged 2-2 at both ends of the train; interiors showcase silver-grey and rose-red floral motifs on seating surfaces, flooring, and walls. Each seat is equipped with a personal reading light and onboard audio/visual entertainment accessible via headphone jacks; televisions are centrally mounted as well as positioned at coach ends. Coat hooks are available beside windows and behind aisle seats. Ticket prices for first class generally exceed second class fares by 50 to 60 percent.
Carriage numbering system
The numbering and classification scheme for Vibrant Express cars mirrors that used by the CRH380A trains operated by China Railway.
Power categories
- M: Motorized car
- T: Non-powered trailer car
- C: Driver’s cab
- P: Car equipped with pantograph
Coach classifications
Set identification
Train set numbers combine rolling stock type with fleet identification and are displayed on end cars. All Vibrant Express units are members of the CRH380A series.
Car numbering
- Initial four digits indicate fleet number (ranges from 0251 to 0259)
- Example: 0253XX denotes fleet number 0253
- Fifth and sixth digits specify car number (from 01 to 07 plus 00)
- Example: XXXX05 refers to car number 5
- Example: XXXX00 corresponds to car number 8
Train formation
| Carriage Number | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 (Template:Rint) | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Set Identification[lower-alpha 1] | CRH380A-025x | |||||||
| Coach Category | First Class | Second/Standard Class | First Class | |||||
| Carriage Codes | ZY 025x01 | ZE 025x02 | ZE 025x03 | ZE 025x04 | ZE 025x05 | ZE 025x06 | ZE 025x07 | ZY 025x00 |
| Power Arrangement | Tc | M | Mp | M | Mp | M | Tc | |
| Seating Capacity | 32 | 91 | 86 | 91 | 86 | 91 | 68 (including space for 2 wheelchairs) | 36 |
| Power Unit Numbering | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||
Allocation
As of August 2022
| Operator | Quantity | Fleet Range | Depot Location | Routes Operated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRH380A | |||||
| MTR Corporation | 9 | 0251–0259 | Shek Kong Stabling Sidings | Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link | |
Details of MTR procurement
| Contract Reference No. 840 | |
|---|---|
| Description | Status Update |
| Project Title or Scope | Express Rail Link: Rolling Stock Supply |
| Expected Date for Prequalification Invitation | Completed |
| Expected Date for Prequalification Submission or Approved Work Category | Completed |
| Expected Tender Invitation Date | Completed |
| Expected Contract Award Date | Completed |
| Tender Process Type | Selective Tendering |
| Covered Under WTO GPA (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Estimated Cost Range / Awarded Amount | M5 Category |
| Total Contract Value | HK$1,744,017,141 |
See also
References
External links
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