Metro de Santiago and Alstom have unveiled the first train that will run on Santiago’s future Line 7, a key project to expand the urban transport network in the Chilean capital. The train was unveiled at Alstom’s factory in Taubaté, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.
The train, a Metropolis AS-22-UTO model, is now entering an extended testing phase at the Taubaté plant before its delivery to Chile, scheduled for the second half of 2026. The event marks the start of deliveries for the complete fleet of 37 trains destined for the new metro line.
Driverless trains with a capacity of over 1,200 passengers
Each train will have five cars, a length of 102 meters, and a total capacity of 1,247 passengers. The trains are constructed of stainless steel, a solution that contributes to increased durability and reduced energy consumption.
The trains will be equipped with air conditioning, advanced passenger information systems, USB-C ports for charging mobile devices, and a modern security system with high-resolution cameras and intercoms that allow direct communication with the control center. Each train will also include two spaces dedicated to people with reduced mobility.
Under the contract signed with Metro de Santiago, Alstom will also supply the Urbalis CBTC signaling system, which will enable automatic, driverless operation of trains on Line 7, increasing service capacity and safety.
A major project for urban mobility
Line 7 of the Santiago metro is currently under construction and will be 26 kilometers long, with 19 stations, crossing seven municipalities. Three of these – Renca, Cerro Navia, and Vitacura – will be connected to the metro network for the first time.
Once operational, the line will reduce travel time between the ends of the route to 37 minutes, compared to approximately 72 minutes currently using road transport. The project is estimated to serve approximately 1.6 million residents.
Authorities estimate that in its first year of operation, Line 7 will see an average daily demand of 194,000 passengers on weekdays and approximately 60 million trips annually. The project is also expected to contribute to a reduction in CO₂ emissions of approximately 33,000 tons per year.
Investments and prospects
The total investment in Line 7 amounts to USD 2.5 billion, and the works are expected to generate approximately 24,000 jobs until the line enters into operation, scheduled for 2028.
Currently, the Santiago metro network comprises seven lines, 143 stations, and 149 kilometers of track. By 2033, with the new extensions and planned lines, the system will reach 199 stations and 231.5 kilometers, becoming the most extensive metro network in Latin America.
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