CHINA: Hong Kong MTR put its first C Stock trains into passenger services on the Kwun Tong Line on December 7.

MTR awarded CNR Changchun a HK$1·1bn contract to supply 10 eight-car trainsets in December 2008, the first time it had ordered metro trains from a manufacturer on the Chinese mainland.

The trains feature curved grab rails at the end of the seats to make the coaches feel more spacious. The doors are designed to dampen sound, with rubber seals around the door to reduce noise from outside. Four LCD screens per coach provide passenger information and news, and CCTV is fitted.

The trains are equipped for ATO, but there is an option in the contract for the supply of driverless three-car sets to operate the South Island Line.