X'Trapolis Mega
| X'trapolis Mega | |
|---|---|
| Stock type | Electric multiple unit (EMU) |
| In service | 2017- |
| Manufacturer | Gibela (70% owned by Alstom, and 30% owned by Ubumbano Rail) |
| Assembly | São Paulo, Brazil Nigel, South Africa |
| Family name | X'Trapolis |
| Replaced | South African Class 5M2 |
| Predecessor | Class 5M2, Class 8M, Class 10M |
| Operators | PRASA |
| Depots | Bayhead, Salt River, Wolmerton |
| Lines served | Metrorail |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Stainless steel, FRP in front face |
| Doors | 3, double doors |
| Maximum speed | Service: 120 km/h (75 mph) Design: 160 km/h (99 mph) |
| Traction system | IGBT-VVVF |
| Electric system(s) | DC3000V, Overhead catenary |
| Bogies | Bolsterless bogies, air springs |
| Braking system(s) | Regenerative braking |
| Safety system(s) | Automatic Train Operation (ATO) |
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
The X'Trapolis Mega is an electric multiple unit (EMU), and part of the X'Trapolis family. It is built by Gibela, a joint venture between French company Alstom and South African company Ubumbano Rail, for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). The Mega operates as part of daily Metrorail commuter service in major metropolitan areas across South Africa.
During October 2013, a R51 billion (€4 billion, $4.46 billion) contract for the supply of 600 X'Trapolis Mega trainsets, including a local production arrangement, was signed by Alstom and PRASA.
The majority of the vehicles are to be domestically assembled at a new facility in Dunnottar, established by Gibela, over the course of ten years. During December 2016, local testing of the first trainsets commenced; in May 2017, 13 trainsets begun performing revenue services upon Pretoria-based routes.
It is anticipated for the X'Trapolis Mega will replace the majority of PRASA's existing rolling stock, much of which dates back to the 1950s.