Tranz Metro class FP/FT “Matangi”

Between 2008 and 2016, former operator Tranz Metro received 83 two-car EMUs for suburban service around Wellington. Each set consists of a class FP motor car and a class FT trailer car, both with one cab each. They are carrying the name “Matangi”, what is one of several words for “wind” in the Maori language. Construction took place in South Korea by a consortium of Hyundai Rotem and Mitsui.

The first batch was built to replace the class DM/D units built by English Electric, followed by a second batch to replace the EM/ET units built by Ganz-MÁVAG. They entered full service in March 2011. Each power car has four traction motors rated at 170 kW or 230 hp each. After the last of the old EMUs had been withdrawn in 2016, the voltage of the overhead line was increased to 1,700 Volts to increase power. Today they are being operated by Transdev.