Vibrant Express

Vibrant Express ( zh, t=動感號), also known as MTR CRH380A or MTR380A, is a high-speed train operated by Hong Kong government-owned public transport operator MTR. It was manufactured by Chinese state-owned manufacturer CSR Qingdao Sifang (now CRRC Qingdao Sifang) based on the CRH380A '' Hexie'' EMUs developed for China Railway. Nine 8-car trainsets were ordered by the Hong Kong government through the MTR Corporation and delivered between 2016 and 2017. It is the first high-speed train produced by CRRC not operated by China Railway.

The train runs between West Kowloon station and Guangzhou South station on the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link.

Overview

Vibrant Express is based on the CRH380A electric multiple units (EMUs) high-speed trains designed and manufactured by CSR.

In April 2011, MTR announced a selective invitation to tender (Contract 840) for the procurement of rolling stock to operate on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) based on the requirements of having nine 8-car trainsets and the maximum operational speed of . MTR's procurement team, after assessing the tender's qualifications announced in March 2012 that CSR Qingdao Sifang had been awarded with the contract worth HK$1.74 billion.

The first train arrived in Hong Kong on 26 September 2016 at River Trade Terminal, Tuen Mun District, where it was then delivered to Shek Kong Stabling Sidings and Emergency Rescue station.

On 23 September 2018, West Kowloon station and the Hong Kong section of the XRL began commercial operations. MTR-0252 brought the first passengers (including reporters) from West Kowloon station to Shenzhen North station.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hong Kong government suspended all high-speed rail services from 30 January 2020. The service reopened on 8 January 2023.

Technical features

Two different materials were used for the body of the train cars: aluminium alloy and fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP). Aluminium alloy was chosen for use on most of the body due to its low weight and high strength so safe high-speed performance could be achieved. For the nose cone, FRP was used because of its ability to be molded into complex aerodynamic shapes necessary sustained at the front of the train in high-speed operations and continue to maintain its structural strength. However, the use of these two materials with different coefficients of linear thermal expansion meant the different rates of expansion could lead to paint peeling off the body. This problem was addressed by using two separate gasket rings on the nose cone to separate it into different sections which are painted independently. They can be distinguished from CRH380A trains operated by China Railway which only have 1 gasket ring.

*Further improvement on collision and fire resistance as well as electromagnetic compatibility and other properties.
*Improved low-resistance shape.
*The optimisation of the bogie design and improvement of the interior structure.
*High-strength air tightness: to further enhance the airtight performance, the fully sealed pressurisation of differential pressure control mode is adopted. The rate of pressure change does not exceed .
*Improved bogie.
*Noise control: Using a variety of new noise absorption materials and noise barrier technology, EMU speed of inside noise keep in 67–69 dB level.
*The axle load still maintained at a level of , under vehicle weight gained by enhancing traction power, structural quality and noise reduction level.
*High-efficiency regenerative braking.
*Ergonomic passenger interface.
*Label text (including fleet number and seat class name) on car body is painted with MTR typefaces, including MTR Song () for Chinese characters (both Traditional and Simplified, of which Simplified Chinese is a first for Hong Kong) and Myriad MM for alphanumeric characters.

Classes

The Vibrant Express uses the same naming convention for travel classes as those used by G-series (High Speed) trains, the fastest train services operated by China Railway.

The trains have two classes of seats, second/standard class and first class. However, unlike the closely related CRH380A trainsets operated by China Railway, the Vibrant Express does not offer higher-end premium and business class seating or have buffet cars. This is because the Vibrant Express are short-haul trains that service only between Guangzhou South and West Kowloon.

Free Wi-Fi is provided to all passengers. Every car has baggage racks located above the seats and multi-standard power sockets. All seats are reclining and include a foldable seat table. Two wheelchair spaces are located on the seventh of the train. Foot Rests are available in First Class.

There are 511 second class seats located in the six intermediate carriages of the train. The second class coaches use 3-2 seat configuration with a mixture of orange, grey and red seats. Coat hooks are available on the sides of every row (next to the windows).

68 first class seats are in a 2-2 configuration and are located on the two end cars of the train. The class feature floral patterns in silver grey and rose red on the seats as well as the floor and walls. Each seat is provided with a reading light an on-board audio and TV entertainment system with a headphone jack. TVs are located at the center and ends of the coach. Coat hooks are featured on the side of every row (next to the window) and the back of every aisle seat. In general. first class tickets are 50-60% more expensive than second class tickets.

Formation

Formation Nomenclature

The numbering and classification system of Vibrant Express train cars is based on the one used for CRH380A trains operated by China Railway.

Power Designation

* ''M'': Motor car
* ''T'': Trailer car
* ''C'': Driver cabin
* ''P'': Pantograph car

Coach Types

* ''ZE'': Second/standard class (, Pinyin:'' Èr Děng Zuò Chē'')
* ''ZY'': First class (, Pinyin: ''Yī Děng Zuò Chē'')

Set numbers

Set numbers are composed of the rolling stock type followed by the fleet number. They are displayed on the sides of the end cars. All Vibrant Express trains are part of the CRH380A family.

Carriage Number

* First 4 digits: Fleet number (0251-0259)
** ''0253XX'': Fleet no. 0253
* 5th and 6th digits: Car number (01-07 and 00)
** ''XXXX05'' = Car no. 5
** ''XXXX00'' = Car no. 8

Formation method

Distribution

''As of August 2022''

MTR order information

Gallery

File:CRH380A-0259@GZN (20180923094804).jpg, A Vibrant Express train at Guangzhou South railway station
File:201901 MTR CRH380A-0253 on the Platform 5 of XJA.jpg, Vibrant Express at Hong Kong West Kowloon railway station
File:Greetings to G6582 at Guangzhounan Station (20180923093200).jpg, Vibrant Express G6582 at Guangzhou South station
File:201901 Exit Door of MTR CRH380A.jpg, Exit door of the Vibrant Express
File:First class seat of CRH380A-0259 (20180923082638).jpg, First Class Coach
File:Second class seat of CRH380A-0251 (20180927163750).jpg, Second Class Coach
File:Connecting Door of MTR CRH380A.jpg, Connecting doors on Vibrant Express

See also

* Hexie (train)
* China Railway CRH380A
* High-speed rail in China
* List of high-speed trains

References

External links

MTR High Speed Rail

{{Multiple units of China Railway

MTR rolling stock
Electric multiple units of Hong Kong
CRRC multiple units
Passenger trains running at least at 200 km/h in commercial operations
Passenger trains running at least at 250 km/h in commercial operations
Passenger trains running at least at 300 km/h in commercial operations
25 kV AC multiple units
Electric multiple units of China
Train-related introductions in 2018
CRRC Qingdao Sifang