Metros play a crucial role in urban transportation, providing efficient and sustainable mobility for millions of people across the globe. In this blog, we delve into the top 10 metro manufacturers, their clients, and notable projects, and explore some of the world’s most impressive metro systems.

Top 10 Metro Manufacturers and Their Impact on Global Urban Mobility

1. CRRC Corporation Limited (China)

Company Profile:

• Headquarters: CRRC is headquartered in Beijing, China.
• Subsidiaries: It has 46 wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries with over 170,000 employees.
• Product Lines: CRRC boasts the most complete product lines and leading technologies in the rail transit industry.
• Business Scope:
  • CRRC’s main businesses cover:
    • Rolling Stock: R&D, design, manufacture, repair, sale, lease, and technical services for rolling stock (trains, locomotives, etc.).
    • Urban Rail Transit Vehicles: Design and production of metro and light rail vehicles.
    • Engineering Machinery: Manufacturing of construction equipment.
    • Electrical and Electronic Equipment: Production of electrical components.
    • Environmental Protection Equipment: Solutions for eco-friendly transit.
    • Consulting Services: Expert advice in rail transit.
    • Industrial Investment and Management: Strategic investments.
    • Import and Export: Global trade.
• Global Impact:
  • CRRC’s world-class products include:
    • High-Speed Trains: Showcasing China’s development achievements.
    • High-Power Locomotives: Efficient and reliable.
    • Urban Rail Transit Vehicles: Used in cities worldwide.
  • CRRC aims to connect the world through better mobility, emphasizing innovation, reform, and internationalization.
  • The company strives to be a leading provider of high-end equipment system solutions with rail transit equipment at its core.

2. Siemens Mobility (Germany)

Company Profile:

• Legacy: Siemens Mobility has been a leader in intelligent transport solutions for over 160 years.
• Core Areas:
  • Rolling Stock: Siemens Mobility specializes in the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of rolling stock (trains, locomotives, etc.).
  • Rail Automation and Electrification: Siemens provides cutting-edge solutions for rail automation and electrification.
  • Software Portfolio: Siemens offers comprehensive software solutions for seamless transport management.
  • Turnkey Systems: Siemens delivers complete turnkey systems for efficient transportation networks.
  • Related Services: Siemens supports its clients with maintenance, upgrades, and technical services.
• Global Impact:
  • Siemens Mobility collaborates with cities and countries worldwide to create sustainable and reliable transport networks.
  • Top Clients:
    • Shanghai Metro (China): Siemens has played a significant role in Shanghai’s metro system.
    • Beijing Subway (China): Siemens contributes to Beijing’s extensive subway network.
    • London Underground (United Kingdom): Siemens’ technology is part of London’s iconic metro system.
    • Guangzhou Metro (China): Siemens supports Guangzhou’s growing urban rail network.
    • New York City Subway (United States): Siemens’ solutions enhance New York’s subway operations.
    • Delhi Metro (India): Siemens has been involved in Delhi’s metro expansion.
    • Moscow Metro (Russia): Siemens contributes to Moscow’s efficient metro system.
    • Wuhan Metro (China): Siemens plays a role in Wuhan’s rapid transit development.
    • Seoul Metro (South Korea): Siemens supports Seoul’s bustling metro lines.

3. Alstom (France)

Company Profile:

• • Alstom is a French multinational company operating globally in rail transport markets.
  • They are a key player in French mobility, serving as a major partner for agglomerations, French regions, and operators like SNCF and RATP.
  • With 16 sites across France, Alstom contributes significantly to local economies.
  • Their 12,000 employees provide expertise to serve both French and international clients.
  • Alstom develops and markets a comprehensive range of systems, equipment, and services for urban and mainline rail networks.
  • Their solutions include trains, signaling, and infrastructure offered separately or fully integrated.
  • 70% of Alstom’s R&D investments are made in France.

Top Projects:

• • Euroduplex (L’Océane): High-speed Euroduplex trains on the new Océane lines offer enhanced travel experiences.
  • Citadis Dualis: Tram trains linking city centers and suburbs, already in circulation in Canada and three French regions.
  • Citadis XO5: Alstom delivered the first of 60 XO5 trams for Sydney, representing the latest Citadis range development.
  • SRS (Tram for Nice): Alstom supplied Citadis trams with innovative ground-based static charging to integrate seamlessly into Nice’s architecture.
  • Infrastructure/Signalling (CNM): Designed, supplied, and installed a turnkey mainline signaling system for the Contournement Nîmes-Montpellier bypass.
  • Locomotive Maintenance: Alstom’s historical customers, including Akiem, Europorte, and Macquarie European Rail, renewed confidence in their operational maintenance contracts.

Top Clients:

• • SMRT Trains (Singapore): Long-term service agreement for the Circle Line.
  • Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen (VMS): Collaboration in Germany.
  • Italo: High-speed rail operator in Italy.
  • Nantes Métropole: Tramway project in France.
  • STIB-MIVB (Belgium): Interview with Brieuc De Meeûs, CEO.
  • CDPQ INFRA: Partnership for sustainable transportation.
  • Île-de-France Mobilités: Interview with Laurent Probst, CEO.
  • Nantes Métropole: Ongoing projects in France.
  • Abdiel Perez (MPSA): Discussing Mastria.
  • Alstom Foundation: Partnering with World Bicycle Relief in Colombia

4. Bombardier Transportation (Canada)

Company Profile:

• Headquarters: Bombardier Transportation is a Canadian-German rolling stock and rail transport manufacturer, with its headquarters in Berlin, Germany.
• Legacy: The company has a rich history, dating back to 1942 when Joseph-Armand Bombardier founded it to market snowmobiles.
• Diversification: Over the years, Bombardier diversified into public transport vehicles, commercial jets, and other transportation-related sectors.
• Global Presence: Bombardier Transportation had regional offices, production facilities, and development centers worldwide.
• Focus on Mobility: In recent years, Bombardier refocused its activities on mobility, emphasizing rail and urban transit solutions.

Top Projects and Notable Clients

AZUR Trains in the Montreal Metro:

• • Montreal’s metro system boasts 71 AZUR trains, totaling 153 metro cars.
  • These state-of-the-art trains enhance passenger experience and efficiency in the city’s transit network.

Edmonton Valley Line Southeast LRT:

• • A turnkey project in Edmonton, Canada.
  • The light rail transit system opened for passenger service in November 2023.
  • It includes 26 Canadian-built 100% low-floor light rail vehicles (LRVs).

Metrolinx GO Transit BiLevel Coaches:

• • Bombardier has produced 991 commuter rail cars for Metrolinx in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) since 1975.
  • An additional contract for the overhaul of 94 commuter rail cars was awarded in November 2021.

Réseau express métropolitain (REM) Project in Montreal:

• • Quebec’s largest transit project in over 50 years.
  • Alstom (after acquiring Bombardier Transportation) is supplying 212 Metropolis cars, an automated and driverless Urbalis 400 communication-based train control (CBTC) solution, platform screen doors, and depot equipment.
  • Alstom will maintain and operate the network for 30 years.

Top Clients

• Greater Toronto Transit Authority (GO Transit): Bombardier provides fleet maintenance services for Toronto’s commuter rail system.
• Metrolinx: Bombardier has been a long-term partner, supplying BiLevel coaches for the GTHA.
• Société de transport de Montréal (STM): Montreal’s metro system relies on Bombardier’s AZUR trains.
• Edmonton Transit Service: Edmonton’s Valley Line Southeast LRT features Bombardier’s light rail vehicles.

5. Hitachi Rail (Japan)

• Company Profile:
  • Legacy: Hitachi Rail, part of Hitachi Ltd., has a rich history dating back to 1924 when it built its first railway carriage for the domestic Japanese market.
  • Global Reach: Hitachi Rail is a global leader, connecting the future of mobility by enabling over 18 billion passenger journeys annually and safely transporting millions of tonnes of freight.
  • Comprehensive Solutions:
    • Hitachi Rail delivers every aspect of the railway ecosystem, from manufacturing and maintaining high-speed bullet trains to digital signaling infrastructure.
    • The company’s pioneering technology ensures seamless, sustainable, and reliable journeys for passengers worldwide.
  • Digital Transformation:
    • Hitachi Rail adds value through digital transformation, cutting costs, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing passenger convenience.
    • Smart Mobility and Digital Asset Management solutions play a crucial role in achieving these goals.
  • Climate Change Innovator:
    • Hitachi Rail collaborates with customers to develop greener products, including battery trains.
    • The company is committed to reducing its CO2 emissions to net zero by 2030.

6. Hyundai Rotem (South Korea)

• Company Profile:
  • Legacy: Hyundai Rotem, part of the Hyundai Motor Group, has been benefitting people’s lives since its foundation in 1977.
  • Global Reach: Hyundai Rotem operates in more than 50 countries worldwide.
  • Rail Solutions:
    • Hyundai Rotem is a living witness of the Korean railway industry.
    • It succeeded in localizing high-speed trains and commercialized advanced high-speed EMUs.
    • The company also introduced future mobility solutions such as hydrogen fuel cell trams.
  • Defense Solutions:
    • Hyundai Rotem is the only manufacturer of main battle tanks in the Republic of Korea.
    • It develops and produces wheeled armored vehicles, including those used by infantry units.
    • The company aims to secure original technologies for next-generation ground weapon systems.
  • ECO Plant:
    • Hyundai Rotem is at the forefront of innovation in high-tech industrial facilities.
    • It builds hydrogen energy facilities, such as SMR (Steam Methane Reformer), to realize a hydrogen society.
    • The company also provides smart mobility facility solutions for manufacturing mobility products.
    • Hyundai Rotem is committed to sustainability and reducing its CO2 emissions to net zero by 2030.

7. CAF (Spain)

• Company Profile:
  • Headquarters: CAF is based in Beasain, Basque Autonomous Community, Spain.
  • Global Reach: CAF operates in more than 50 countries worldwide.
  • Rail Solutions:
    • CAF is a world-leading company when it comes to comprehensive systems for sustainable transport.
    • The company manufactures urban and long-distance trains, buses, components, and signaling systems.
    • CAF also provides services, including comprehensive systems and concessions.
  • Sustainability Commitment:
    • CAF is committed to sustainability, offering safe, secure, and comfortable transportation solutions.
    • The company focuses on energy optimization, GreenTech, and catenary-free Urbos trams.
    • CAF is a trusted partner in delivering tailor-made mobility solutions.

 8.Ansaldo STS (Italy)

• Company Profile:
  • Legacy: Ansaldo STS, listed on the Italian Stock Exchange, has a rich history specializing in the design, implementation, and management of transport systems and signaling equipment for railways and underground railways.
  • Global Reach: The company operates worldwide, providing solutions for both freight and passenger traffic.
  • Rail Solutions:
    • Ansaldo STS excels in traffic management, planning, train control, and signaling systems.
    • As a lead contractor and turnkey provider, it plays a pivotal role in major rail projects across the globe.
  • Sustainability Commitment:
    • Ansaldo STS focuses on energy optimization, GreenTech, and catenary-free Urbis trams.
    • It contributes to creating a more sustainable planet through innovative rail and bus mobility options.

9. Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Japan)

• Company Profile:
• Established: October 15, 1896 Head Offices:
  • Tokyo Head Office: 1-14-5, Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8315, Japan
  • Kobe Head Office: Kobe Crystal Tower, 1-3, Higashikawasaki-cho 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-8680, Japan President: Yasuhiko Hashimoto Paid-in Capital: ¥104,484 million (As of March 31, 2023) Net Sales: ¥1,725,609 million (Fiscal year ended March 31, 2023) Number of Employees: 38,254 (As of March 31, 2023)

  Global Presence: Kawasaki Heavy Industries operates on a global scale, contributing significantly across various sectors:

  Aerospace and Defense:

  • Engaged in pioneering projects such as the development of reusable launch vehicles for spacecraft, space robotics (including the Japanese Experiment Module for the International Space Station), and docking mechanisms for space missions.
  • Top clients include defense agencies, space organizations, and international partners.

  Energy and Industrial Equipment:

  • Manufacturing heavy machinery, including land vehicles, large tankers, submarines, energy systems, and aerospace equipment.
  • Involved in environmental and industrial plant construction, precision machinery, and robotics.
  • Notably, Kawasaki has spearheaded the establishment of a liquefied hydrogen supply chain between Japan and Australia, employing the world’s first liquefied hydrogen carrier, the SUISO FRONTIER.

  Motorcycles and Leisure:

  • Renowned for producing motorcycles and off-road vehicles, including the iconic “JET SKI®” watercraft.

  Key Clients: Kawasaki collaborates with a diverse range of clients across industries, some of which include:

  • Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
  • Toshiba Corporation
  • ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd.
  • Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
  • BAE Systems plc
  • Komatsu Ltd.
  • Lockheed Martin Corporation
  • Northrop Grumman Corporation
  • The Boeing Company
  • THALES
  • Toray Industries, Inc.

  Noteworthy Projects:

  1. Liquefied Hydrogen Supply Chain Commercialization Demonstration Project:
  • Aims to achieve a hydrogen supply cost of 30 JPY/Nm³ by 2030.
  • Establishes marine transportation technologies for liquefied clean hydrogen, with selected sites at the Port of Hastings (Australia) for hydrogen export and Kawasaki Coastal Area (Japan) for hydrogen receiving.
  • Contributes significantly to Japan’s carbon neutrality goal by 2050.
  2. Mass Hydrogen Marine Transportation Supply Chain Derived from Unused Brown Coal:
  • Utilizes brown coal (lignite) from Australia to produce hydrogen.
  • Demonstrates the feasibility of a large-scale hydrogen supply chain.
  3. Space and Aerospace Projects:
  • Continues involvement in space robotics, launch vehicles, and docking mechanisms, contributing to advancements in space exploration and technology.

10. Skoda Transportation (Czech Republic)