Desiro City, London – Railway Technology

This article explores the technological advancements and operational impact of the Desiro City electric multiple unit (EMU) trains deployed on the Thameslink route in London. The project aimed to significantly enhance passenger capacity, improve operational efficiency, and reduce environmental impact on one of the UK’s busiest commuter lines. The Desiro City program, initiated by Siemens, represents a substantial investment in modernizing the UK’s railway infrastructure. This involved not only the procurement and deployment of new rolling stock but also the construction of new maintenance depots and the integration of advanced train control systems. The project’s success is crucial for improving the passenger experience and ensuring the long-term sustainability of London’s rail network. A detailed analysis of the design features, operational capabilities, and overall project parameters will highlight the significance of this undertaking and its implications for future railway development.

Design and Technological Advancements

The Desiro City EMU boasts significant improvements over its predecessor, the Desiro UK fleet. Key innovations include a 25% weight reduction achieved through lightweight aluminum car bodies. This lighter design contributes to lower energy consumption and improved operational efficiency. The adoption of the Single Car Concept, with integrated traction equipment in motor cars, enhances flexibility in train configuration (from 3 to 12 cars). The trains are designed for dual-mode operation (750V DC or 25kV AC), allowing seamless transitions between different electrification systems. Further technological advancements include improved aerodynamics, enhanced crashworthiness, an early fire detection system, and an intelligent ventilation system guided by CO2 sensors to optimize air quality based on passenger load. The trains adhere to ETCS (European Train Control System) Level 2 standards, ensuring seamless communication between the train and trackside equipment.

Operational Capabilities and Passenger Experience

Designed for a maximum speed of 160 km/h (100 mph), the Desiro City offers a significant increase in passenger capacity compared to the Desiro UK trains—a 25% improvement. An eight-car unit provides 416 seats, while a twelve-car unit offers 654. The spacious interior features wide gangways, large windows, and optimized passenger flow with wide vestibules and conveniently located luggage racks. Ergonomically designed seating with ample legroom further enhances passenger comfort. Modern toilet facilities, including wheelchair access and baby changing amenities, cater to diverse passenger needs. The modular interior design allows for adaptable configurations to meet varied service requirements and passenger loads. Environmental considerations are also prominent, with 95% of the train’s materials being recyclable, water-based paint, and energy-efficient LED lighting.

Infrastructure and Project Management

The Thameslink Programme, incorporating the Desiro City deployment, represents a large-scale infrastructure project. Siemens, in partnership with the Cross London Trains (XLT) consortium (Siemens Project Ventures, Innisfree, and 3i Infrastructure), secured a €1.8 billion ($2.4 billion) contract for the supply of 115 Desiro City trains (1,140 carriages). This included the construction of two new maintenance depots in Three Bridges and Hornsey. The trains were manufactured at Siemens’ Krefeld, Germany facility, highlighting the international collaboration involved in this project. The project’s success hinged on effective project management, coordinating manufacturing, delivery, integration with existing infrastructure, and the timely completion of new facilities. The integration of ETCS Level 2 demonstrates a commitment to advancing safety and interoperability standards.

Project Summary and Environmental Impact

The Desiro City project significantly enhanced the Thameslink route, substantially increasing passenger capacity and improving the overall passenger experience. The introduction of these modern, energy-efficient trains contributes to a more sustainable railway system. The project’s substantial cost (€1.8 billion) reflects the scale of the undertaking and the long-term commitment to upgrading UK railway infrastructure. The success of the Desiro City rollout provides a valuable case study for future railway modernization projects, demonstrating the importance of technological innovation, effective project management, and a focus on sustainability. The 50% reduction in energy consumption compared to the Desiro UK fleet is a significant environmental achievement, reducing the carbon footprint of rail travel. The use of recyclable materials further emphasizes the commitment to environmental responsibility.

Conclusions

The Desiro City project successfully modernized a critical section of London’s commuter rail network. The project’s targets of increased passenger capacity, improved operational efficiency, and reduced environmental impact have been largely achieved. The deployment of 115 state-of-the-art EMUs, each with a significantly enhanced passenger capacity, has demonstrably improved the capacity and reliability of the Thameslink route. The substantial investment in new rolling stock, coupled with the construction of new maintenance depots, ensures the long-term sustainability of the upgraded rail service. The incorporation of advanced technologies, such as ETCS Level 2 and energy-efficient systems, aligns with broader trends in railway modernization and the pursuit of environmental sustainability. The project highlights the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors in large-scale infrastructure projects. The success of this project is a testament to the effective partnership between Siemens and the XLT consortium, reflecting best practices in project management and the successful integration of advanced technology. The considerable reduction in energy consumption, through design enhancements and intelligent control systems, directly addresses environmental concerns. The Desiro City project serves as a compelling example of how technological innovation can transform commuter rail services, benefiting both passengers and the environment.

Company Information:

• Siemens: A global technology powerhouse, Siemens provides a wide range of products and services in various sectors, including transportation. They are a major player in rail infrastructure and rolling stock manufacturing.
• Innisfree: An infrastructure investment company.
• 3i Infrastructure: A global investment management firm specializing in infrastructure.