Budd Frota A 1287

Location: Paraiso Station, São Paulo, Brazil
Operator of Vehicle: Companhia do Metropolitano
de São Paulo
Date of Photo: July 24, 2010

Last week, I saw a video of all the various rolling stock types on the São Paulo, both past and present.  After watching the video, it became clear that there is now quite a bit of equipment that had not been built when I was in São Paulo nearly ten years ago.  In addition, some of the trains I rode in 2010 have been fully modernized.  The Frota A (or A Stock), seen here, was the inaugural fleet for the São Paulo Metro.  It entered service in 1974.  Starting in 2009, the trainsets were gradually withdrawn to be rebuilt in to the modernized Frota I and Frota J types.  These rebuilt trains have AC traction CBTC signalling, a full width cab, improved internal circulation for passengers, and air conditioning, among other features. However, they still retain their slanted fronts, which remind me of the front ends of the R40 Subway Cars that used to operate in New York City.

For more photos of São Paulo Metro Rolling Stock, please click here.