SINGAPORE: The new trains for the Downtown Line (DTL) have been unveiled, boasting improved designs and features in the cabins.

To create more standing room, the two-seater sections at the end of each cabin have been converted to "perch seats", allowing commuters to lean comfortably on the seats while standing.

Commuters can also expect wider seats and different colour themes in pastel colours for each of the three cabins.

Overhead handrails have also been increased to three rows, compared with older trains which only have one or two.

To better inform commuters of the status of their journey, the new route map display panel will feature flashing green arrows to denote the direction of travel, and indicators displaying which side the doors will open.

During emergency situations, when there is no power supply from the third rail, the train is able to keep minimal lighting and air ventilation going for up to an hour.

Reserved seats for commuters who are less mobile are coloured red and the gap between the train and the platform has been reduced - from 75 to 40 millimetres.

The Land Transport Authorities says each DTL train is about five tonnes lighter than a train on the Circle Line.

This translates to a fleet-wide energy saving of 2000MWh (million watts per hour) per year.

When a train reaches the end of its 30-year lifespan, 90 per cent of it is recyclable.

Many of the new features were developed after a consultation process with the public.

The Land Transport Authority said the public had a good impression of its new interior design and features, but gave suggestions on how to further improve the seats and hanging straps.

"We have taken the suggestion and feedback from the public and some suggestions like seat improvement and additional strap hangers had been incorporated into the new trains," said Sim Wee Meng, senior group director (Rail) at LTA.

"Many people tell us they like the colours of the seats and also the interior design of the trains."

The first train arrived on 12 October from Changchun, China.

Thereafter, 10 more trains will be shipped to Singapore before the opening of Downtown Line 1 by the end of 2013.

www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1236211/1/.html

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