NS 93

NS 93
NS 93 approaching Pedrero-Mirador station on Line 5.
In service	1997–present
Manufacturer	GEC Alsthom
Constructed	1996–1998
Refurbishment	2014–2017
Formation	6 cars (Line 5) 7 cars (Line 1 and 5) 8 cars (Line 1)
Capacity	720 passengers, 242 seats
Operator(s)	Metro S.A. (Santiago Metro)
Line(s) served	Lines 1 and 5
Specifications
Maximum speed	80 km/h (50 mph)
Power output	2,800 kW (3,800 hp)
Electric system(s)	750 V DC Guide bars on either side of the track
Current collection method	Horizontal contact shoe A vertical contact shoe sliding on the rails provides grounding.
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in), rubber tired wheels outside of the steel wheels.

The NS 93 (Neumático Santiago 1993) is the third generation of rubber tired rolling stock used on the Santiago Metro system. The trains were manufactured by GEC Alsthom (now Alstom) in 1996 and went into operation in 1997. Originally designed for use on Line 5, the trains first operated on Line 2 prior to the opening of Line 5.

The NS 93 series is based on the design of MP 89 series from the Paris Métro, along with sloped ends, automatic doors and through gangways from car to car. However, the NS 93 is slightly taller than the MP 89 to accommodate air conditioning, and they operate in 6 car formations on Line 5 (SN-NP-NNS), 7 car formations on Lines 1 and 5 (SN-NP-NRNS), and 8 car formations on Line 1 (NNS-NRNS). As a result, the trains can operate in 90, 105, and 120 meter lengths, depending which line they are assigned to. The length of each car is 14.88 meters (15.38 meters for cars containing the driver's cab).

The interior of the NS 93 is graced with a cream white scheme with orange plastic seating. Each trainset is also equipped with a train speed surveillance system (SACEM), which the MP 89 does not have. In 2010, automated station announcements were added to all trains. In 2014, a modernization project was announced [1] - allowing the trains to be refurbished and receive air conditioning systems. The project will also change the exterior livery from its original two-tone blue to the red/white scheme currently used on newer trains.

On February 7, 2012, a train en route to one of the garages derailed near a condominium complex and playground. The train was not in service at the time and was only operating in testing mode following repair work. No injuries were reported, but the train and surrounding property, including four vehicles, suffered substantial damage.