The MF01 metro train1 built by a consortium consisting of Alstom Transport, Bombardier Transport and Areva TA was inaugurated today on Line 9 of the Paris metro. With a special livery defined by regional transport authority STIF and Paris public transport operator RATP, the first MF01 trainset was unveiled at Porte de Saint-Cloud station in the presence of STIF Chairman Jean-Paul Huchon, RATP CEO Pierre Mongin and Managing Director of Alstom Transport France Jérôme Wallut.
The inauguration represents a milestone in the contract signed between RATP and the consortium whereby a third option for 66 MF01 units was taken up in 2011, with Alstom taking charge of project management, component supply and assembly of the railcars. A total of 161 metro trains were ordered under the contract signed with RATP in 2001.
Particular emphasis has been placed on the interior comfort of the new metro cars. MF01 is fully accessible and has wide corridors and gangways for more fluid movement and reduced changeover times in stations. The large windows and bright interior colour scheme create a light and spacious feel. Noise levels and vibration inside the car have been reduced through the use of ONIX traction equipment for improved acoustic comfort.
Respect for the environment is also an essential feature of Alstom rolling stock design. The MF01 consumes 30% less energy than a conventional metro train through improved efficiency of the power train and a high-performance energy-recovery electric braking system.
Alstom’s expertise in metro design, whether it is steel-wheeled (MF01) or tyre-mounted technology (MP05 ), is confirmed by the excellent track record of reliability of its trains in service on the Ile-de-France network. Nearly a hundred MF01 metro cars have been running on Line 2 since 2007 and on Line 5 since 2011 at levels of reliability compliant with the safety requirements specified by the operator. The MP05 class, which will be celebrating two years of operation on Line 1 in November, also boasts an excellent track record in commercial service, with a level of reliability well above contractual requirements. These results demonstrate the high level of quality of Alstom metro trains, which are designed to offer the best operational performance for the benefit of operators and passengers.
Five Alstom sites are involved in the project: Ornans for the motors, Sesto (Italy) and Tarbes for the traction/braking systems, Villeurbanne for the on-board computer and passenger information systems, and Valenciennes for interior layout, equipment integration, assembly and testing.
Press Release of Alstom, 21 October 2013
