X'Trapolis 100
| Company type | Electric multiple unit train series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Founder | Alstom |
Area served | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Valparaíso, Chile |
| Products | Electric multiple unit trains |
| Website | www |
The X'Trapolis 100 represents a series of single-level electric multiple unit trains from Alstom's X'Trapolis range, currently operating in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, as well as in Valparaíso, Chile.
Operational History
In 1999, Alstom secured a contract through the Melbourne Transport Enterprises consortium to supply new rolling stock for the Hillside Trains network, which later became known as Connex Melbourne. The X'Trapolis 100 trains were introduced in 2002 and initially served exclusively on the former Hillside network routes (Burnley and Clifton Hill lines), without extending to the Bayside Trains network. Although these two networks merged under Connex management in 2004, X'Trapolis units did not begin operating on Bayside lines until a later date.
Starting 22 October 2014, X'Trapolis 100 trains commenced limited services on the Frankston line, part of the former Bayside network. By 20 November 2016, these trains were running full-time on the Frankston line and had also started servicing the Werribee and Williamstown routes. Service coverage expanded further in November 2018 to include the Flemington Racecourse line.
Currently, the X'Trapolis 100 fleet operates across the Burnley, Clifton Hill, and Cross-City groups. Most units run as six-car sets throughout daily operations; however, three-car configurations are used during off-peak times and weekends on the Alamein and Williamstown shuttle services. Additionally, these trains provide transport for special events held at Flemington Racecourse.
Although Melbourne’s suburban trains typically run as one or two three-car units coupled together, X'Trapolis 100s were only approved for single-unit revenue service starting in September 2007. These trains are equipped with power-operated doors that passengers can activate themselves; doors close either automatically or under driver control.
The X'Trapolis 100 series, alongside the HCMT, is among a select group of suburban trains in Melbourne featuring external side destination displays—a characteristic also found on diesel-powered Sprinter and VLocity railcars.
Several train sets have been named in honor of schools and prominent figures, including Croydon West, Don Corrie, Flash, Flinders Flyer, Iramoo, Melbourne Rocks, and Westernport. Notably, unit 863M-1632T-864M-897M-1649T-898M was the first to be painted with the updated Metro livery in November 2009 ahead of Metro Trains Melbourne's inauguration. During this rebranding process, the name Iramoo was incorrectly spelled as Imaroo—an error that was rectified more than ten years later.
Technical Overview
Refurbishment
Following the 2009 franchise agreement, Metro Trains Melbourne redesigned the original X'Trapolis 100 carriages by converting the 3+2 seating arrangement into a 2+2 layout, which improved passenger movement and increased standing room. Subsequent train orders incorporated this seating configuration from the outset.
Starting in 2017, all units from the first through fifth production batches received interior upgrades similar to those applied to the Siemens Nexas fleet. These refurbishments included removing seats at the ends of motor cars to create designated wheelchair areas and enhance overall capacity. Additional safety features such as extra handrails and emergency intercoms were installed, aligning their interiors with the design introduced in the sixth batch.
Mechanics
The X'Trapolis 100 trains marked Melbourne's introduction to computer-managed traction, braking, and safety systems. A continuous electrical circuit runs along the train, keeping the emergency brakes disengaged when energized; any disruption caused by driver vigilance release, emergency braking activation, or passing a signal at danger automatically applies full braking.
Incidents
Significant events involving these trains include:
- 9 December 2004: Train 882M failed to stop properly at Belgrave, Victoria, overrunning the platform and colliding with a fence.
- 26 September 2009: Train 872M struck a vehicle between Croydon and Mooroolbark, resulting in derailment and infrastructure damage.
- 12 May 2010: Newly delivered train 9M derailed after overrunning a siding at Ringwood.
- 24 March 2011: Train 920M passed Macleod station platform due to slippery tracks and defective buffer sleepers.
- 11 November 2015: A Metro employee unlawfully commandeered train 927M at Hurstbridge depot before derailing it and damaging several carriages.
- 6 February 2016: Train 1305T derailed near Rushall station while negotiating a sharp curve.
- 9 November 2018: Train 959M separated near Croydon because of wiring faults affecting coupling circuits.
- 12 August 2021: Set comprising 871M-1636T-872M collided with a semi-trailer at Glen Iris level crossing, causing derailment and damage to infrastructure.
- 14 July 2025: Carriage 1627T derailed close to Clifton Hill station; although no injuries were reported, this incident led to prolonged line closures.
| Order | Sets | Ordered | First Entered | Last Entered | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 58 | 2000 by Connex | 27 December 2002 | 17 December 2004 | Replaced aging Hitachi fleet. The initial ten units were fully constructed at Alstom's La Rochelle facility; later units had shells manufactured in France with final assembly conducted in Ballarat, Victoria. Featured button-operated doors, sliding inter-carriage doors, and one pantograph per three-car set. |
| Second & Third | 38 total | July 2007 by Victorian Government | Late 2009 | April 2012 | In December 2007, Alstom secured the contract for additional six-car trains, expanding total sets to 38 by February 2009. These trains were produced in Italy with local assembly in Ballarat ensuring at least 40% Australian content. Introduced enhanced internal and external display panels alongside upgraded audio systems. Entry into service was postponed due to driver safety concerns that were resolved by early 2010. |
| Fourth | 7 | 2011 | September 2012 | 14 June 2013 | |
| Fifth | 8 | April 2013 | 22 December 2014 | 16 October 2015 | Removed seats from front motor carriages to accommodate mobility scooters and improve passenger circulation. |
| Sixth | 5 | March 2015 | 5 October 2016 | 9 February 2017 | Further seat removals complemented by added horizontal handrails; emergency intercoms installed. These changes were retrofitted across the entire fleet for consistent interior design. |
| Seventh | 5 | May 2016 | 17 August 2017 | 19 December 2017 | |
| Eighth | 9 | September 2016 | 31 January 2018 | 25 January 2019 | This order coincided with the Victorian Government’s commitment to acquiring different High Capacity Metro Trains. |
| Ninth | 5 (final) | May 2018 | 31 July 2020 | 1 July 2020 | Extended production of X'Trapolis trains in Victoria until mid-2020. Motor carriage numbering recommenced from 967M due to conflicts with existing Comeng train numbers. |
Valparaíso
The interurban passenger rail network in Valparaíso traces its origins back to the 19th century, though it historically lacked the frequency and infrastructure typical of metro systems. A significant modernization initiative launched in 1999 replaced outdated stations with uniform designs and incorporated a new tunnel stretching five kilometers beneath Viña del Mar. This upgrade also introduced new trains manufactured by Alstom, which arrived in Chile on 22 February 2005, resulting in the retirement of the former train fleet on 30 June 2005.
The earliest metropolitan railway, inaugurated in 1855 connecting Barón station in Valparaíso to El Salto near Viña del Mar, holds the distinction of being the longest continuously operating railway in the southern hemisphere. By the late 1990s, authorities opted to enhance both rolling stock and infrastructure to meet contemporary standards.
In November 2002, Merval secured a contract with Alstom for the supply of 27 two-car trainsets, alongside signaling and control systems, electrical power equipment, and a maintenance agreement spanning three decades.
Stage IV kicked off in 1999 with the demolition of most old stations—excluding Limache—and the construction of a tunnel exceeding five kilometers between Caleta Abarca and El Salto in Viña del Mar. This subterranean segment included four stations and facilitated urban renewal along its path. Tunnel construction necessitated suspending service from July through November 2005.
The first new train car arrived in February 2005. The final journey of the previous Suburban Electric Motor Vehicles (AES), originally produced by Fiat Concord in Argentina, took place on 30 June 2005, marked by a ceremonial farewell trip from Valparaíso to Limache.
Initial operations with the new fleet ran partially outside the tunnel during a three-day trial from 21 to 23 November 2005. The official inauguration occurred on 23 November, attended by then-President Ricardo Lagos, with full service commencing the following day.
Merval rolling stock
Merval's trains differ from those used in Melbourne by lacking intermediate cars; instead, they consist of two-car sets composed of a motor car equipped with a pantograph and a trailer car. These units can be coupled to form four-car convoys but remain physically smaller than Melbourne’s trains.
The door mechanism is similar to Melbourne’s system: passengers open doors by pressing buttons, which then close either under driver control or automatically after two minutes. Each car features three doors on each side, totaling six per car and twelve per trainset.
Power is drawn via a single pantograph on each motor car from the overhead catenary system. Since no catenary extends beyond Limache station, service does not continue past this point; however, an extension to La Calera is currently under feasibility assessment.
Adjustments to passenger seating
In contrast to Melbourne’s approach, Merval reduced seat numbers between October and December 2014 to accommodate increased passenger volumes. This reduction equates to roughly 46 fewer seats per trainset and aligns with the seating configuration of the forthcoming X'Trapolis Modular units—each featuring 96 seats—with eight units planned for delivery in 2015 to enhance capacity.
Antimicrobial train initiative
In partnership with state-owned copper producer Codelco and manufacturer Alstom, Merval trialed a train car outfitted with antimicrobial copper applied to handrails and frequently touched surfaces as part of Codelco’s strategy to expand copper applications. This retrofit involved removing conventional handles and panels.
Despite this innovation, the copper elements were removed several months later, restoring the car to its original condition.