On May 27, CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles released the good news that the first double-decker train for Phase II Sydney, Australia, rolled off production line in Changchun City. The representatives from LTK Supervision and Downer Rail, an Australian partner, jointly witnessed the “birth” of the double-decker train highlighting the uniqueness in both technology and beauty. 

CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles and Downer Rail obtained the first R&D and manufacturing order of 24 double-decker trains for Sydney on December 1, 2016. In early 2019, the two obtained the second-phase order of 17 double-decker trains. After more than 400 days and nights of overcoming the impacts of the epidemic on production, procurement and post-sale support, the first train rolled off production line as scheduled. Such “Speed of China” was fully recognized by overseas customers and partners. 

The train is composed of 8 coaches, with 4 motors and 4 trailers. The maximum speed is 130 km/h. It’s been made in line with the Australian standard system and the integrated high-level international standard, highlighting the features of being safe, comfortable, energy-saving and longer operating span of life. The outlook design is novel and unique, which perfectly displays the characteristics of double-decker sightseeing. The interior decoration is simple, fashionable and full of the local culture of Sydney. The train body is characterized by corrugated stainless-steel roof, extruded profile framework, upper aluminum honeycomb floor connected through bolts with side train body for which laser welding is adopted. The components are mainly made by means of resistance spot welding and plug welding, which is able to improve to a great extent the strength of train body, reduce the deformation of welding, and maximize the beauty of image. 

Up to now, CRRC Changchun Railways, in collaboration with Downer Rail, has delivered 732 rail transit trains to Australian customers.