L.B. Foster Friction Management Solutions Extend Asset Life on Doha Metro

Trains operating on one of the world’s most advanced metro systems are now fitted with a uniquely designed onboard applicator interface system that applies friction modifier to train wheelsets on the new 76km Doha Metro in Qatar.

The new applicator system was designed and developed to fit the wheelsets on the award-winning Doha Metro trains by L.B. Foster Rail Technologies, working closely with a Japanese rail car original equipment manufacturer.

Mike Hull, General Manager, L.B. Foster Rail Technologies, says: “The Doha Metro is an extraordinary project that is pushing the boundaries of the achievable. Not only does it operate fully automated, driverless trains, it is also in the main a subterranean railway which has involved large amounts of tunnelling.

“L.B. Foster’s Low Coefficient of Friction (LCF) wheel flange solid stick lubricators are installed across Doha Metro’s fleet of 75 trains. Lubrication from the solid sticks protects vehicle wheels from operational wear and tear, extending asset life, reducing maintenance cycles and increasing return on investment.

“Our initial order was for 450 applicators for the 75 trains at an axle coverage of 25%. We started supplying the new applicators in late 2017, with a further order for 210 applicators received and delivered in 2019.”

The Doha Metro fleet consists of 75 driverless trainsets designed and built by Mitsubishi and Kinki Sharyo. Trains will be capable of reaching speeds of 100km/h and will be one of the fastest driverless train systems in the world.

Doha Metro system consists of three lines; Gold, Red and Green. The Gold (Historic) Line entered full operation on 21st November 2019. It features 11 stations running east-west and extending from Ras Bu Aboud to Al Aziziya. The Red (Coast) Line entered operation on 8th May 2019 and runs approximately 40 kilometres from Al Wakra in the south to Lusail in the north. The line also connects Hamad International Airport at Terminal 1 to the centre of the city. It has 18 stations with the Legtaifiya Station allowing passengers to transfer over to the Lusail Tram. The Green (Education) Line entered full operation on 10th December 2019 and runs east from Al Riffa to Al Mansoura in the west and includes 11 stations.

For further information visit www.lbfoster.eu  

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