The Bilbao underground train units (U.T. 500, U.T. 550 & U.T. 600) are equipped with the latest technological systems existing in the area of railway transportation.
All the carriages are motor carriages, which makes their technical performance highly effective, especially as far as power, acceleration and braking are concerned. Each motor carriage is autonomous.
The four carriages which make up the train unit are joined, with no doors or separation of any kind. This way a single space is achieved, which provides greater mobility for travellers inside the train, better distribution and more comfort. The body of the carriages is a self-supporting structure built of welded stainless steel.
The UT-500 and UT-550 train units have the same appearance, but the latter includes some improvements such as the installation of a new air-conditioning system that can be controlled from the driver's cab, the carriages have better soundproofing and there are more handgrips.
Visually, the UT-600 units are not noticeable different to the existing UT 500 and UT 550 units. In appearance, the new EMUs are identical to the 37 existing ones operating in Metro Bilbao, but they incorporate some of the latest innovations in rail transport. Soundproofing and passenger information have been improved.
An information display panel has been installed inside the units in the inter-carriage area. This system will be linked to the Central Control Desk. Under normal running conditions it will display the destination and next station, but it can also be used to provide information on service incidents. It will be particularly helpful for people with hearing impairments.
The UT 600 units are also fitted with new noise-prevention systems. Elastic wheels fitted on all bogies will considerably reduce noise emissions, while an automatic wheel lubrication mechanism will make the train run more smoothly on certain sections of track.
Each motor carriage is equipped with heating-cooling equipment. The equipment has two independent cooling systems.
Each train unit has two motor-compressor units which provide compressed air at 10 Kg/cm 2, guaranteeing an air flow of 1,450 litres/minute.
A static converter produces the electric power necessary to feed all the auxiliary service power. There is also a battery system.
