Alstom Reveals Design of MP14 Metro Rail in France

The trains are scheduled to operate in Ile-de-France from 2019. Under a framework contract awarded last year, Alstom assumed the responsibility to design and deliver up to 217 MP14 trains over 15 years, which was worth more than €2bn.

The order was placed by the Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP) and mandated by Syndicat des transports d’Île-de-France (STIF) and small grants programme (SGP).

According to Alstom, the first settled part of the contract for 35 trainsets is worth €520m and is completely financed by the STIF.

The new locomotives will complement the northern extension of Line 14, while increasing passenger carrying capacity. They will have two more cars than existing trains and will operate on lines 4, 11, and 14.

MP14 metro designs feature streamlined contours with a distinctive light signature and visual consistency. The internal layout resembles alcove and aims to improve passebger journeys while ensuring conviviality and privacy.

The metros will offer vast reception areas, providing accessebility to all passengers via dedicated spaces and boomerang-shaped seats. They will be fitted with LED lighting throughout and will be air conditioned. They will also feature a complete on-board video-protection and dynamic information system.

MP14’s electrical braking system recovers energy and recycles it as electricity, while reducing fine particles emissions caused by mechanical braking systems. This subsequently decreases the energy consumption of the trains and air pollution by up to 20%.

Regional Council of Ile-de-France president and STIF’s council president Valérie Pécresse said: “I am committed to carrying out a transport revolution through the renewal of 700 trainsets, including the RER, by 2021.

“I have not forgotten the metro. With MP14, over 200 trainsets could be replaced for over 2 billion euros. This represents nearly one third of all the metros in Ile de France.

“The inhabitants of Ile de France will thus be able to ascertain the design quality of these new metros, particularly in 2019 on Line 14, then on the extension to Line 11 where the trains in circulation today were designed nearly 60 years ago.”

Work for the rail project will be conducted in 12 Asltom sites in France including Valenciennes for the studies, integration, validation and tests; le Creusot for the bogies; Ornans for the motors; Villeurbanne for the onboard electronics; Tarbes for the traction; Reichshoffen for the collision studies; and Saint-Ouen for the design.

The project is expected to generate more than 2000 jobs in France.