THE metropolis of Chengdu in southwestern China opened two metro extensions on September 17. The 5.87km third phase of Line 10 extends from Taipingyuan to Wuhouci in the northeast of the city, taking the total length of Line 10 to 41.5km with 19 stations.  

The 24.8km second phase of Line 17 opened on the same day. It extends from Gaohong in the east to Jiujiangbei in the southwest, bringing the total length of Line 17 to 31.4km with 21 stations. The extensions take Chengdu metro’s total length to over 700km across 16 lines, with daily ridership averaging 6.5 million.

Ningbo

Ningbo metro Line 7 opened for passenger traffic on August 29. The fully-automated 39.4km line serves the east of the city, running from Yunlong in the south to Yufan in the northeast via the city centre, with 25 stations. The line expands Ningbo’s metro network to 262km with seven lines.  

Tracklaying has started on Line 12 in Ningbo, a 64km inter-city metro line connecting Xiaoyangjiang on lines 4 and 7 with Damuwan in the southeast of the city. The line is 90% elevated and has 10 stations, two of which are underground. Construction started in January 2022. Two branches have been approved, which could be developed in the future.

China’s first train with type B metro bogies featuring inboard bearings entered service on Ningbo’s fully-automated Line 5 on September 15. The trains, developed by Ningbo Rail Transit Group and CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive, are 15 tonnes lighter than standard metro trains, with the bogies 18% lighter. They reduce traction energy consumption by about 6% and maintenance costs by an expected 11% over the train’s lifecycle. Trains equipped with inboard bearings have covered over 16,000km in testing over the past year.

Nanjing

Nanjing metro’s 37.4km Line 5 opened in August. It connects Jiyindadao in the south with Wanjiaying in the north of the city, near Nanjing West railway station and close to the Yangtze River. Serving 30 stations, Line 5 is operated with a fleet of 50 six-car type A trains, with a maximum speed of 80km/h, built by CRRC Nanjing Puzhen.

Nanjing’s Hexi light rail line started a coffee tram over the summer, with brewing facilities and a barista on board, plus comfy seats, stools and cup holders. The brightly decorated vehicle is a partnership between Rocho Coffee and Nanjing Metropolitan Tram Company. Tickets are Yuan 30 ($US 4) per trip and include one coffee.

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