Efficient urban transportation: Knorr-Bremse to supply systems for Turin’s new Hitachi Rail tram fleet

“We are delighted to be partnering with Hitachi to build the new LRV sets for Turin, especially since this is the first order to be placed for Hitachi’s new LRV platform,” declares Dr. Jürgen Wilder, Member of the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse AG and responsible for the Rail Vehicle Systems division. “Together with metros, LRVs are a hugely important lifeline within and between urban districts, providing reliable and indeed essential mobility services for the public.”

“We have a long-standing partnership with Hitachi and so we are extremely pleased that they have once again chosen to put their trust in us,” adds Harald Schneider, Member of the Management Board of Knorr-Bremse Rail Vehicle Systems and responsible for Knorr-Bremse’s Italian business. “We are particularly delighted to be supplying three different types of system for these vehicles, further strengthening our footprint in the Italian rail market.”

Knorr-Bremse will supply hydraulic braking systems featuring the new SysControl (ESRA EVO) electronic brake control with a newly developed Ethernet TRDP Train Real Time Data Protocol) interface, which works on a redundant Ethernet train network. Furthermore, enhanced sanding systems optimize wheel-rail adhesion in adverse weather conditions, while dual-channel hydraulic control units for the trailer bogie help maximize brake performance. Even the brake calipers have been adapted to the challenging steering characteristics of the new bogie platform. The contract also includes the supply of electromagnetic track brakes with an innovative specific independent suspension and bumper system that allows the LRVs to brake safely and rapidly in traffic.

Knorr-Bremse subsidiary IFE, the global market leader for rail vehicle entrance systems, will also be supplying energy-efficient RL2-e2 sliding plug doors that help to optimize passenger flows during boarding and alighting. For enhanced driver and passenger comfort in all seasons, whatever the weather, each LRV will also be equipped with one driver’s cab HVAC unit and two roof-mounted units supplied by Merak, Knorr-Bremse’s integrated climate control solution subsidiary. “Great teamwork and coordination between sales and system were crucial to winning this project in this important market", says Simone Mantero, Managing Director of Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems Italia. "This new supply agreement marks a further milestone in our collaboration with Hitachi Rail S.p.A. and we are very pleased to support our customer with our latest generation of technologies.”

Running on Turin’s existing tram network, the LRVs will connect different suburbs and the city center. Knorr-Bremse has already supplied braking systems for tram in many Italian cities, and the project also offers an excellent opportunity for Knorr-Bremse to strengthen its position on the Italian railway market and, in particular, in the mass transport sector.