Functional and operational analysis of the use of multi-drive railway multiple units on metropolitan railway lines
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61089/aot2026.sj1vkv04Keywords:
railway, multiple unit, multi-drive multiple unit trainset, bimodal multiple unit, non-electrified railway line, metropolitan railway transport, multi-criteria comparative analysisAbstract
In metropolitan and, partially, long-distance traffic, we are now seeing an increased use of multiple units characterised by the utilisation of the passenger area that is optimal in terms of interior space. The propulsion systems used in them utilise various forms of supplied energy. Technological development in the field of multi-drive systems for rolling stock offers an increasing diversity of design solutions. Among railway operators and carriers when purchasing rolling stock, this generates the problem of choosing the right type of multiple unit among the numerous types offered by manufacturers.
The main purpose of the article is to analyse and evaluate railway multiple units, both classic, diesel-powered and multi-drive ones. Technical, economic, environmental, operational and functional parameters were used as comparison criteria. Modern three-unit trainsets in service in Europe were analysed.
On the basis of a multivariate comparative analysis, selected types of multi-drive multiple units were evaluated in terms of their selection for mixed traffic on partially electrified and non-electrified lines. The analysis made it possible not only to evaluate the types of multiple units offered by manufacturers today but also provides a valuable tool in the decision-making process of selecting the optimal rolling stock for metropolitan railways.
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