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They’re quieter, smoother and have better ventilation.

Those were the first reviews of the new AZUR trains as they took on passengers for the first time on the métro’s Orange Line on Sunday morning.

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The first train departed the Henri-Bourassa station at 10 a.m., as it headed to the Côte-Vertu station, picking up surprised passengers on the way.

The train has undergone extensive testing since August, logging 13,000 kilometres in the métro’s tunnels while crews fine-tuned its systems, like the automation controls so the trains stop at the proper spots at each station.

“I had no idea it would be here today,” said Luis Perez, who got on at the Sauvé station. “I’m very excited. They are very nice, clean, and I’m happy to be here on the first day.”

Perez takes the métro every day to get to school and work, and said he appreciates the fact they are more spacious.

Photo by Dario Ayala / Montreal Gazette

Because there are no separations between the cars, the new trains can carry eight per cent more passengers, which represents 80 to 100 additional passengers per train. However, there are fewer seats, to make room for wheelchairs, and wider doors.