M7 (Amsterdam Metro). The CAF Inneo M7 is a series of electric multiple unit (EMU) trainsets used in the Amsterdam Metro. This train was put into service on 28 February 2023, and is expected to remain in operation for at least 30 years.

With a length of three carriages (together almost 60 meters), an M7 set is half as long as an M5 set. The intention is to run double sets during peak hours and single sets outside peak hours, preventing overcapacity and allowing better planning of maintenance.

The M7 rolling stock initially serves the East Line (Oostlijn) and the Ring Line (Line 50). Deployment on the North/South Line (Line 52) is not planned at this time. CAF also supplied the 37 M4/S3 trainsets for the Ring Line in 1996-1997 and won the tender in 2016 for manufacturing 15G series for Amsterdam Tram.

Description

Background 
The following reasons make the acquisition of new trainsets for Amsterdam necessary in the short term:

 Replacement of the 25 light rail vehicles from the S1 and S2 series, dating from 1990 and 1993-1994, between 2021 and 2024;
 Replacement of the 37 metro and light rail vehicles from the M4/S3 series, dating from 1996-1997, in 2027;
 The increase in passenger numbers on the metro network since the opening of Line 52 on July 22, 2018.

In addition, in 2012, at the urging of the then Alderman for Traffic, Transport, and Infrastructure, the desire arose to have a mixed fleet of long (116 meters, 6 carriages, M5/M6 series) and semi-long (a maximum of 61 meters, 3 carriages) rolling stock. The capacity of two coupled M7 sets operating in multiple-unit configuration is equal to that of a single M5/M6 set. As a result, further acquisition of additional M5/M6 series sets was abandoned after five of the 12 optioned sets were delivered. During the first year after commissioning in 2023, only single M7 sets were operated; from 2024, coupled sets are also in service.

Purchase 

In August 2016, the Amsterdam Regional Transport Authority (Stadsregio Amsterdam) and GVB created a "Program of Requirements" outlining the specifications for the new metro trains.

Initially, the plan was for a vehicle up to 61 meters long and 3 meters wide, with a capacity of around 450 passengers (including at least 75 seats) and capable of being coupled with other trains. The design and layout had to align with the appearance of the M5/M6 series. The exterior design of the M5/M6 references the first metro trains used in Amsterdam. Based on these specifications, it was estimated that 25 to 30 train sets would be needed. The final number, 30 units, was confirmed in December 2016, and the procurement process began in January 2017. The first train set (No. 163) was delivered on 23 August 2021, and the last one from the initial batch (No. 192) was delivered on 28 November 2024.

In September 2016, the Executive Board of Stadsregio Amsterdam decided to conduct additional research into purchasing longer 80-meter trains. After analysis by GVB and the transport authority, it was found that in certain scenarios, 80-meter trains would be more efficient than 60-meter ones. However, if they had chosen the longer trains after completing the study, it would have delayed the project. Therefore, the procurement continued with the 60-meter trains as the baseline.

On April 30, 2018, GVB announced that the Spanish railway manufacturer CAF had been selected as the supplier, following a tender process that began in 2017. The order for 30 trainsets amounted to 225 million euros, with an option to purchase up to 30 additional units.

On July 11, 2024, GVB announced that it would partially exercise the option for additional trains and would order between 11 and 13 extra units. The exact number depends on the outcome of investigations into two damaged M5 trains. If they are repaired, 11 M7 trains will be ordered; if they are replaced, 13 will be purchased instead.

Future 

The M7 must be equipped for automatic train operation.

In addition, the M7 must be compatible with platform screen doors. However, if platform screen doors are installed, these trains will no longer be able to run in coupled configurations on routes shared with M5/M6 trains. This is because the offset at the coupling point would cause the doors of a coupled train to misalign with the position of the platform doors. Therefore, the procurement also took into account the possibility of future extensions, allowing these trains to be lengthened with additional carriages to a maximum length of 123 meters.

In March 2018, it was discovered that incorrectly placed buffer stops at Amsterdam Centraal Station as the terminus for the East Line made it impossible for two coupled M7 trains to stop there. Additionally, using coupled M7 trains on Line 52 is currently not feasible due to the tight positioning of fire safety screens at Europaplein Station, which would descend in case of fire. The Metro and Tram Service is investigating what adjustments are necessary and the associated costs.

Gallery

External link 
 New metros for Amsterdam (Factsheet GVB/CAF)

References 

Electric multiple units of the Netherlands
Amsterdam Metro
Train-related introductions in 2023
CAF multiple units