Alstom’s Lyon Metro Upgrade: Sustainable Rail Innovations in France

Alstom Awarded €300 Million Contract to Modernize Lyon Metro Line D

Alstom has secured a substantial contract valued at over €300 million to revitalize Line D of the Lyon metro. The deal, signed with SYTRAL Mobilités, underscores a commitment to enhancing the passenger experience and increasing the capacity and reliability of one of France’s busiest metro lines. The project, encompassing the supply of new rolling stock and the upgrade of critical systems, is scheduled to commence imminently. This article will explore the key components of this modernization program, examining the new trains, the signaling upgrades, and the project’s overall impact on the future of urban mobility in Lyon.

New Rolling Stock: The MPL25 Generation

A significant portion of the contract, valued at €145 million, is dedicated to the acquisition of 26 new-generation rubber-tyred metro trains. These will be the two-car MPL25 trains. This next-generation model offers significant improvements over existing rolling stock. The new trains, designed and developed in France, will be fully automated and capable of accommodating over 300 passengers per unit. The MPL25 trains are also designed to be interoperable with the MPL16 trains already in service on Line B, allowing for multiple-unit operation and enhanced capacity during peak hours. Further, the MPL25’s environmental design features are a key element: these trains are built with sustainability in mind. The design facilitates 96% recyclability, and the incorporation of energy-recovering electric braking systems, along with minimized mechanical braking, reduces the emission of fine particles.

Signaling and Automation Upgrade: Urbalis for Enhanced Reliability

The project’s €158 million system upgrade centers on Alstom’s Urbalis driverless signalling solution, aimed at overhauling the existing automatic control system of Line D. Urbalis, already implemented on Line B and in use on over 190 metro lines worldwide, offers a suite of advanced features, including enhanced safety and reduced headways between trains, thereby increasing service frequency. The implementation of Urbalis on Line D, which originally opened in 1991 as the world’s first wide-gauge automatic metro, will involve a complete upgrade of the system. With Urbalis, the trains will operate without platform doors, which will improve service reliability and provide greater passenger comfort. The modernization includes cybersecurity protection compliant with current European regulations, ensuring robust system resilience and passenger safety.

Local Impact and Project Execution

The entire project team will be based in the Lyon metropolitan area, ensuring local expertise and employment benefits from the initiative. Seven Alstom sites across France will be involved, illustrating the project’s national scope and contributing to the broader economic impact. Frédéric Wiscart, President of Alstom France, highlighted the project’s importance. “These modern, comfortable metros represent a considerable asset for improving the network and the passenger experience. The renovation of the automated driving system on line D, incorporating innovative control and cybersecurity technologies, meets the growing demand for more sustainable and smarter mobility.”

Conclusion

The Alstom-SYTRAL Mobilités partnership for the modernization of Lyon Metro Line D represents a significant step forward in urban transport. The investment in new, sustainable rolling stock and a cutting-edge signaling system highlights a commitment to delivering a more efficient, reliable, and passenger-focused service. The project’s emphasis on interoperability, capacity enhancements, and advanced control technologies positions Line D as a model for future metro upgrades globally. Moreover, the focus on environmental sustainability, from recyclable materials to energy-efficient braking, aligns with the growing need for greener transportation solutions. The successful implementation of this project will serve as a crucial reference point for other urban centers looking to modernize their metro networks and provide an improved, safer experience for commuters.

Company Summary: Alstom

Alstom is a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, focused on designing and delivering systems, equipment, and services for the railway sector. The company’s extensive portfolio includes rolling stock, signaling, infrastructure, and services. Alstom employs approximately 80,000 people in over 70 countries. Alstom’s commitment to innovation and sustainability has made it a key player in the development of modern and efficient rail transport systems worldwide, contributing to reducing emissions and enhancing passenger experiences.