Maintenance of the Metro Trains
23 September 2004 11:11
During a Dialog Forum at Innotrans 2004 in Berlin, Siemens Transportation Systems (TS) and the Prague transit authorities (Doprvni Podbik Praha) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the co-operation for maintenance of the metro fleet. This involves the maintenance for a period of 14 years of the entire fleet of 48 type M1 metro trains. Meanwhile, Prague transit authorities have ordered TS – 42 type trains from Siemens, which have already been manufactured. Most recently, the authorities placed an order with Siemens in April 2004 for six 5-car metro trains, which are to be delivered in 2005 and 2006.
At this year’s Innotrans trade fair, Siemens TS has invited its guests to attend the first ever Dialog Forum, where the positive experiences gained from the collaboration with the Prague transit authorities can be discussed. Milan Houfek, Director General and Chairman of the Board of the Prague transit authorities, explained how the new metro vehicles represent a symbol of modernity in the Czech capital. The expressive design gives the Prague metro a new image. “Quality was foremost in our minds when the order was awarded. Siemens has developed a new generation of metro train for us. We consider the M1 vehicle to be an absolutely top product,” emphasized Houfek.
Hans M. Schabert, President of Siemens TS, underlined in his speech how Innotrans is an obvious display of the ever-increasing significance of the demands for comfort, reliability and technology. “I am especially happy to note that we have received orders from the Prague transit authority for the supply of a total of 48 metro trains. I regard this as great proof of this customer’s confidence in us and recognition of our overall performance. And I am equally pleased to be able to sign a Memorandum today, marking a major step toward a maintenance contract for these trains.”
Dr. Werner Kruckow, Division President responsible for the metro business at Siemens, discussed details of the development of the metro project in Prague. It all started in 1995 with an order for the first 22 trains. At the time, Siemens was responsible for the electrical equipment of the vehicles. A further milestone was set by the second contract calling for the delivery of 20 trains in 2002. Takeover of part of the fixed assets of CKD DS in the meantime made Siemens TS general contractor responsible for the production and supply of the vehicles. All the vehicles for this series have meanwhile been built and will be put into passenger service in the coming month. “In April 2004 we won an order for the supply of another 30 vehicles. This shows us that we continue to meet the needs of our customer and also those of the passengers,” said Kruckow.
At the Memorandum signing ceremony, Arne Kleversaat, President of the Integrated Services Division at Siemens TS, stressed that Siemens TS is not only a manufacturer of rail systems, but that it also sees itself as provider of intelligent service concepts. Maintenance for the 48 metro trains of Prague Metro would be performed at the customer’s depot, using the customer’s personnel. Kleversaat made particular mention of the fact that “TS would train the customer’s personnel appropriately for this work. In doing so, TS would create jobs for highly qualified people.”
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