Matangi Q & As
Here are some answers to questions people are asking about the new trains.
A Matangi train on a test run in Korea
Q: Will the new trains look different from the outside?
A: Yes, they are distinctly different from the English Electrics and the Ganz Mavags. The Matangi trains have a shiny, stainless steel exterior with a navy blue trim at the top. The front of the driver's cab is yellow, the doors of the low floor area are bright green and clearly marked and other doors are blue.
Q: What kind of flooring will the new trains have?
A: The floor will be lino, not carpet. Lino is easier to clean and keep clean.
Q: What is the low floor area?
A: The low floor area is located between each entrance of the trailer car. (Each Matangi unit has a motor car and a trailer car.) There is no step up to the inside of this area and a wheelchair ramp built into the floor can be unfolded by onboard staff. There are eight flip-up seats in this area so if the space is not needed for wheelchairs or buggies other passengers can sit down. The area is spacious with a substantial amount of room for people to stand.
Q: How will the doors work?
A: The doors are operated manually, but are controlled centrally by the train manager. So you'll need to press a button to open the doors. This means that unless the doors need to be opened the air-conditioned temperatures are not disturbed, making the journey more comfortable.
Q: Will the new trains carry more passengers?
A: Yes. A two-car Ganz Mavag unit can carry 296 seated and standing passengers. The number of seats in the Matangi is the same as the Ganz Mavags but there's significantly more standing room.
Q: Are there luggage racks on the new trains?
A: Yes, there are luggage racks in all areas except the low floor part of the trailer car. There will be more storage space underneath the seats, than there is in the Ganz Mavags.
Q: What are the rules for bikes on the new trains?
A: We're still working on a policy for bikes on the new trains. There are no separate compartments such as the dog box on the Ganz Mavags. But there is a special section for bikes in the low-floor area of the new trains. The number of bikes that can be carried will also be spelt out in the new policy.
Q: Will there be new timetables for the new trains?
A: Yes, there will be new timetables - for all trains as well as the buses they connect with. These timetables are being developed and will take effect towards the end of the year. More details will be available soon.