Alstom Begins Dynamic Testing of First Metropolis AS-22-UTO Driverless Train for Santiago Metro Line 7 at Taubaté Facility in Brazil

Alstom Begins Dynamic Testing of First Metropolis AS-22-UTO Driverless Train for Santiago Metro Line 7 at Taubaté Facility in Brazil

(IN BRIEF) Alstom and Metro de Santiago have begun dynamic testing of the first Metropolis AS-22-UTO driverless train for Santiago Metro’s future Line 7 at Alstom’s Taubaté facility in Brazil. The programme validates critical systems including traction, braking, signalling, passenger equipment and the Unattended Train Operation technology required for fully automated service. Static testing has already covered mechanical and electrical elements such as vehicle dimensions, weight, air conditioning, motors, doors, lighting and passenger information systems. Alstom has assembled seven of the 37 trains ordered for the project, with the first unit scheduled to arrive in Santiago in early 2027. Line 7 is currently under construction and will span 26 kilometres with 19 stations, serving an estimated 1.6 million residents while helping relieve congestion on Line 1. Alongside the trains, Alstom is supplying its Urbalis CBTC signalling system and providing 20 years of maintenance. The programme builds on more than 50 years of cooperation between Alstom and Metro de Santiago and Alstom’s broader presence of more than 80 years in Chile.

(PRESS RELEASE) SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, 11-Sep-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Alstom and Metro de Santiago have reached a major milestone in the development of Santiago’s future Line 7, beginning dynamic testing of the first Metropolis AS-22-UTO driverless train at Alstom’s manufacturing and testing facility in Taubaté, Brazil.

The testing phase will validate the performance and integration of critical onboard systems, including traction, braking, signalling and passenger systems, as well as the Unattended Train Operation (UTO) technology that will enable fully automated service on the new metro line.

Alstom is manufacturing 37 Metropolis trains for Line 7. Seven units have already been assembled and are currently at different stages of production or testing. The first train is scheduled to arrive in Santiago in early 2027.

Once completed, the new 26-kilometre Line 7, with 19 stations, is expected to serve an estimated 1.6 million residents, ease pressure on the existing Line 1 and expand access to sustainable public transport across the Chilean capital.

Dynamic testing marks major milestone for Line 7 fleet

Dynamic testing follows an extensive series of static tests carried out on the first Metropolis AS-22-UTO train.

The overall validation programme is designed to confirm that each train complies with its specified technical and performance requirements before entering passenger service.

During static testing, engineers assess mechanical and electrical systems while the train remains stationary. These evaluations cover areas including vehicle dimensions and weight, air-conditioning equipment, traction motors, doors, lighting and passenger information systems.

After completing these checks, the vehicle progresses to dynamic testing on Alstom’s dedicated test track in Taubaté.

Traction, braking and signalling tested under movement

The dynamic phase evaluates how the train performs while moving and brings together several of its most important operational systems.

Tests cover traction and braking performance, signalling functions and the interaction of onboard systems required for normal train operation.

Particular attention will be given to the UTO system that will allow Line 7 trains to operate without an onboard driver.

The programme is intended to demonstrate that the various subsystems work together reliably before the trains are transported to Chile and move into later stages of commissioning.

Seven of 37 trains already assembled

Alstom confirmed that seven of the 37 Metropolis units ordered for Line 7 have now been assembled.

Those trains are at various points in the manufacturing and testing programme as production continues at Taubaté.

The first unit’s transition into dynamic testing marks an important progression from manufacturing and stationary validation toward real operating conditions.

The programme will continue as additional trains move through production, testing and preparation for shipment to Santiago.

Jean-Michel Morvan highlights more than 50 years of cooperation

Jean-Michel Morvan, Alstom’s General Managing Director for Southern Latin America, said each successfully completed test brings the project closer to passenger operation.

He noted that seven trains are already assembled and that the first unit has now reached the dynamic testing stage.

Morvan also highlighted Alstom’s relationship with Metro de Santiago, which extends for more than 50 years.

According to Alstom, approximately four out of every five trains currently operating on the Santiago Metro network carry the Alstom name, reflecting the scale of the company’s historical role in the system.

Morvan said the Line 7 programme represents another step toward advanced, smart and sustainable mobility in Chile.

Metro de Santiago sees testing as decisive step toward commissioning

Patricio Rey, Chairman of Metro de Santiago, described the start of dynamic testing as a decisive milestone in introducing the new Line 7 trains.

He said the progress of the seven assembled units demonstrates that the programme is advancing toward the stage when the first trains can be delivered to Chile.

Rey said Line 7 will ultimately improve mobility for approximately 1.6 million people while helping relieve congestion on Line 1 and strengthening sustainable public transport across Santiago.

Line 7 will extend Santiago Metro by 26 kilometres

Santiago Metro’s Line 7 is currently under construction and will extend for approximately 26 kilometres.

The route will comprise 19 stations and is expected to serve a population of around 1.6 million residents.

The line forms part of Santiago’s wider expansion of high-capacity urban rail, increasing the reach of the metro network while creating additional travel alternatives for communities across the city.

A key expected benefit is the redistribution of passengers from Line 1, one of the most heavily used parts of the existing system.

Alstom supplies trains, signalling and long-term maintenance

Alstom’s involvement in Line 7 extends beyond manufacturing the fleet of 37 Metropolis trains.

The company is also supplying its Urbalis CBTC signalling system, which will support the automated operation of trains along the new route.

CBTC, or communications-based train control, enables continuous communication between trains and signalling infrastructure, supporting precise control of train movements and helping optimise service capacity.

Alstom will additionally provide 20 years of maintenance under the programme, creating a long-term role for the company after the new fleet enters commercial service.

First Line 7 train due in Santiago in early 2027

The first Metropolis AS-22-UTO train is scheduled to arrive in Santiago in early 2027.

Before shipment, it must complete the required validation work at the Taubaté facility.

Following delivery, additional testing and commissioning activities will be undertaken in Chile as Metro de Santiago prepares the fleet and Line 7 infrastructure for future passenger operation.

The delivery will mark the transition of the rolling-stock programme from factory validation in Brazil to integration with the new metro infrastructure in Santiago.

Automated trains form part of new generation of Santiago Metro fleet

The AS-22 trains have been designed for unattended operation, representing another step in the automation of Santiago’s urban rail network.

UTO technology enables trains to perform operational functions automatically when integrated with the necessary signalling and control infrastructure.

The combination of Alstom’s Metropolis rolling stock and Urbalis CBTC technology will provide the technical foundation for fully automated operation on Line 7.

The current dynamic tests are therefore particularly important for validating the interaction between vehicle performance and automation systems before deployment.

Partnership between Alstom and Santiago Metro spans five decades

Line 7 represents the latest chapter in a relationship between Alstom and Metro de Santiago that has lasted for more than half a century.

Over that period, Alstom has supplied multiple generations of trains to the network.

Its previous fleets include the NS74, NS93, AS02, NS04 and NS16, which will be joined by the new AS22 trains developed for Line 7.

The long-running partnership has also expanded beyond rolling stock into signalling, infrastructure and maintenance.

Alstom builds on more than 80 years in Chile

Alstom has operated in Chile for more than 80 years, participating in the development of rail and transport infrastructure across the country.

The company currently employs more than 700 people across eight facilities in Chile.

Its activities include commuter and regional trains, signalling technologies, infrastructure and maintenance services.

The Line 7 programme further strengthens that footprint by combining new rolling stock, automated signalling and long-term maintenance within a single major urban mobility project.

About Line 7

Currently under construction, Line 7 of the Santiago Metro will be 26 kilometres long and will have 19 stations, serving an estimated population of 1.6 million residents. Alstom is manufacturing the project’s 37 Metropolis trains at its plant in Taubaté, Brazil, in addition to supplying the Urbalis CBTC signalling system and providing 20 years of maintenance, among other contracts. The first train is scheduled to arrive in Santiago in early 2027.

Alstom in Chile

Alstom has been present in Chile for more than 80 years, contributing to the development of the country’s infrastructure. With more than 700 employees across 8 facilities, the company operates commuter trains, regional trains, signalling systems, and infrastructure and maintenance services. To date, Alstom has supplied Metro de Santiago with the NS74, NS93, AS02, NS04, and NS16 fleets, to which the new AS22 trains for Line 7 will be added.

ALSTOM™, Metropolis™ and Urbalis™ are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group.

Media Contact:

Press Contact Latin America
Ana Caiasso
ana.caiasso@alstomgroup.com

Communication Coordinator – Latin America
Vinicius Riqueto
vinicius.riqueto@alstomgroup.com

SOURCE: Alstom