Mehdi performs hundreds of tests in the new Stib metros: "Sand and concrete to simulate the weight of travelers"

Mehdi Chabane got his first job at CAF. The Spanish manufacturer is designing STIB's new M7 metros. After the tests at the factory and at the depot, the electromechanic from Liège tests the rolling stock on the Brussels network.

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"I'm in it every day".

When you climb into the new STIB M7 metro, it's a bit like visiting Mehdi Chabane's office. The young electromechanic from Liège is one of the three members of the test team hired by the Spanish CAF to test its new Brussels trains.

The first train arrived in July 2020. Since then, STIB has received 3 more. Their mechanics have been tested on the test tracks of the Haren and Delta depots and, for the past few weeks, on the real network. "The tests last several months: it's a question of safety", confirms An Van Hamme, spokesperson for STIB. Mehdi Chabane resumes: “The test protocols are sent every day from Spain. We test everything that can be done during the night, so as not to overload the network or encroach on the traffic of other metros”. This involves checking the gauges of the trains, their compatibility with signalling, their speed, etc.

+ IN PICTURES | Here is the M7, STIB's new metro: how will frequency and capacity be boosted?

Sandbags

Lately, the young technician has focused on temperature regulation. “Cooling via air conditioning is provided by the ceiling grilles and at the bottom, under the benches, are the heating radiators. They work by resistance. Other tests carried out in real conditions: those of suspensions, braking and acceleration. “We embark sandbags or concrete blocks to simulate the weight of passengers”, deciphers the electromechanic. “The train floor is protected and the ballast is attached. Three different weight levels are analysed”.

It shows: Mehdi Chabane enjoys his job. The first for him. "I was recruited specifically for the arrival of CAF's M7 in Belgium," he reveals. “I participated in the battery of tests carried out at the Spanish factory: we learn much better from those who manufacture”. Since then, the Liégeois has carried out “hundreds” of checks. He does not hide his hope of being assigned other missions “once the metros are delivered”.

Cork

The CAF, for “Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles”, now has a base in Brussels. “Our local office is made up of the testing team, warranty, manufacturing and quality staff, and an engineering manager. He works at the interface between our equipment and the signage designed by the partner company”, lists Ana Reparaz, Brussels project manager for CAF.

+ IN PICTURES | €353 million for 43 new trains: the Spanish CAF will build the next STIB metros

Around the world, CAF is active in the USA, Turkey, Algeria and, of course, in Spain. In our immediate vicinity, the Basque manufacturer also produces trains and metros for France and the Netherlands. Even closer to Brussels, CAF was selected in 2018 to put the Liège tram on track. Its first train has also been tested since April in the vicinity of Zaragoza, Spain. What give professional prospects to Mehdi Chabane.

8,000 more passes per hour in each direction

"Leuk, hey"

She does not sulk her pleasure, Elke Van den Brandt, in the driving seat of the new STIB M7 metro. From the Anderlecht station Érasme, the Brussels Minister for Mobility (Groen) took the 94m and 170 tonne train through the tunnels to the Eddy Merckx, Ceria and La Roue stations. Enough to give the silver metro its first official kilometers with passengers.

At his side, Bernard Guilmot keeps watch. The metro training manager has worked for STIB for 35 years, where he started as a driver. “Driving a metro is always done by hand, without the intervention of the feet. But the manipulator differs according to the manufacturers and the models”, he reveals to us. “It can be rotary or linear, like here in the M7. This one is smaller: it looks like a joystick”.

The difficulty in a vehicle on rails is always braking. The technology of this one responds really well

The professional admits it, he does not yet have so many bottles on the handlebars of this new toy. “I just must have 8 or 10. But the tunnel is known and so is the environment. Of course, there was the simulator in Haren, then we went back and forth in the depot before going out on the network to train without a customer. Verdict? “Driving is fun. The difficulty in a vehicle on rails is always braking. The technology of this one responds really well”, salutes the experienced pilot, who was able to give his feelings to the manufacturer during tests.

Inside the passenger area, the first impression is that of a larger space. In its width of 2.70m, the M7 provides 742 total places "folded jump seats" (compared to 716 for the current Boas M6). We note the places PRM, strollers and bicycles very identifiable on the double doors. Access will be facilitated by low floors at platform height. Other details: very readable LED displays between the cars but also on the sides, above the windows. For safety, we appreciate the green light alerts when ascent and descent are permitted, then red when closing. “The design is signed by the Antwerper Axel Enthoven. It is very neat, beautiful. And it’s a nod to Brussels”, appreciates Brieuc de Meeûs, CEO of STIB, drawing attention to the colors and curves of the design reminiscent of Art Nouveau.

+ IN PICTURES | In the construction site of the 350m tunnel at Albert station: “From here, we could extend the metro to Uccle”

The people of Brussels who have chosen the color silver. But this metro is not just a matter of taste

In total, STIB has ordered 43 M7s from CAF. Their actual commissioning is scheduled for this summer, without a more precise date. The first 22 will circulate from the end of 2022. They will be delivered “at the rate of two trains approximately every 7 weeks”. They will run on lines 1 and 5, "which will free up the old metros to strengthen lines 2 and 6", promises STIB. Objective from 2021: 1 metro every 2'30'' on the latter, and 2' on lines 1 and 5.

"The Brussels Region is investing 1 billion in STIB in 2021", recalls Elke Van den Brandt. “It is money that is well spent. We are proud of our new train. It was the people of Brussels who chose the silver color. But this metro is not just a matter of taste: thanks to it, we will increase the capacity of the metro by 8,000 places per hour and per direction”.