Train types

From Subway Builder

There are two Train Types. Each train type has unique specifications affecting passenger capacity, construction costs, and operational expenses.

Heavy Metro[edit]

Heavy Metro trains are designed for routes with high passenger demand and longer station spacing.

Specifications[edit]

Attribute Value
Performance
Maximum Speed 24.72 m/s (55.3 mph / 89 km/h)
Maximum Acceleration 1.1 m/s²
Maximum Deceleration 1.3 m/s²
Local Station Speed 13 m/s (29 mph / 47 km/h)
Capacity
Passengers per Car 240
Minimum Train Length 5 cars
Maximum Train Length 10 cars
Cars per Set 5
Physical Dimensions
Car Length 15 m (49.2 ft)
Train Width 3.05 m (10 ft)
Minimum Station Length 160 m (525 ft)
Maximum Station Length 227 m (745 ft)
Construction Costs
Base Track Cost (per meter) $50,000
Base Station Cost $75,000,000
Scissors Crossover $15,000,000
Cost per Car $2,500,000
Operational Costs
Base Train Cost (per hour) $500
Per Car Cost (per hour) $50

Design Basis[edit]

Heavy Metro trains are based on the R211, which serves the New York City Subway system. The R211 represents modern heavy rail rapid transit technology optimized for high-volume urban corridors.

Light Metro[edit]

Light Metro trains offer more flexibility for moderate-demand routes and tighter urban environments.

Specifications[edit]

Attribute Value
Performance
Maximum Speed 25 m/s (56 mph / 90 km/h)
Maximum Acceleration 1.1 m/s²
Maximum Deceleration 1.3 m/s²
Local Station Speed 13 m/s (29 mph / 47 km/h)
Capacity
Passengers per Car 200
Minimum Train Length 2 cars
Maximum Train Length 4 cars
Cars per Set 2
Physical Dimensions
Car Length 19.05 m (62.5 ft)
Train Width 2.94 m (9.6 ft)
Minimum Station Length 80 m (262 ft)
Maximum Station Length 160 m (525 ft)
Construction Costs
Base Track Cost (per meter) $30,000
Base Station Cost $50,000,000
Scissors Crossover $12,000,000
Cost per Car $2,500,000
Operational Costs
Base Train Cost (per hour) $400
Per Car Cost (per hour) $40

Design Basis[edit]

The Light Metro trains are modeled after the Alstom Metropolis trains used on Montreal's REM.

Comparison[edit]

Feature Heavy Metro Light Metro Advantage
Maximum Capacity 2,400 passengers (10 cars) 800 passengers (4 cars) Heavy Metro
Minimum Capacity 1,200 passengers (5 cars) 400 passengers (2 cars) Light Metro (flexibility)
Base Track Cost $50,000/m $30,000/m Light Metro (40% cheaper)
Base Station Cost $75M $50M Light Metro (33% cheaper)
Station Footprint 160–227 m 80–160 m Light Metro (smaller)
Maximum Speed 24.72 m/s 25 m/s Light Metro (marginally)
Operational Cost (5-car train) $750/hr $600/hr (3-car equivalent) Light Metro

Strategy[edit]

When to Use Heavy Metro[edit]

  • High-demand corridors connecting major employment centers
  • Routes with long station spacing allowing higher speeds
  • Trunk lines carrying passengers from multiple feeder routes
  • Cities with concentrated downtown cores
  • When future capacity expansion is anticipated

When to Use Light Metro[edit]

  • Medium-demand routes serving residential neighborhoods
  • Branch lines feeding into heavy metro trunk routes
  • Routes with frequent stations and shorter distances
  • Constrained budgets requiring lower construction costs
  • Areas where smaller station footprints are advantageous
  • Orbital routes connecting suburban centers

Compatibility[edit]

Train types are not compatible with each other's infrastructure. A route designated for heavy metro cannot run light metro trains, and vice versa. Players must commit to a train type when constructing track infrastructure, as the tracks are designed specifically for one type of train.

See Also[edit]