Miguel Medina / AFP
Paris: Metro lines 13, 12 and 8 will finally be entitled to new trains, but we will have to wait (photo of metro trains on line 13 in Paris)
PARIS – End of the tunnel for Line 13 users? To see, but not immediately. The Île-de-France region gave the green light this Wednesday, February 7, to a massive order from Alstom for 103 new trainsets. They would be intended for line 13, whose reputation as the most hated line is well established, and part of lines 12 and 8. This is to modernize the network with non-degradable timeliness.
But we still have to be patient, between delays, closed lines or stations and crowded metros: the new trains will only be delivered in three to five years. Of the 13 that are promised to be automated, they will be completely replaced. The renovation of lines 8 and 12 is aimed at improving their poor performance which penalizes users and numerous tourists visiting the capital.
This order for the amount of “About 1.1 billion current euros excluding taxes” Fully financed by Ile-de-France Mobilites (IDFM).“A transportation revolution that continues”Valerie Pacres, president of the regional transport authority and Ile-de-France region, told AFP.
decision “Twenty Years Too Late”.
IDFM aims to renew “All Metros by 2032”, she recalled. RATP CEO Jean Casteaux welcomed the purchase of the new MF19 metro in late January in advance, but regretted the decision. “Twenty Years Too Late”.
Voted on Tuesday by the IDFM Board of Directors, this huge order “This testifies to IDFM’s renewed confidence in the new generation equipment”French manufacturer Alstom was delighted to AFP. “The aim of this new order is to enable Alstom to protect its supply chain while adapting to the progress of the necessary infrastructure work on the line”IDFM indicated in its press release.
The French railway giant, which is looking to get out of debt, already has a full order book “In the next three years”.
Call for tenders dating from 1967, 1977 or 1988
Criticized for frequent delays on its routes, particularly due to recruitment problems, the Paris Metro network also suffers from outdated equipment. New standard trains “MF19” It will replace trainsets for which calls for tender are as old as 1967, 1977 or 1988.
This new rolling stock should also provide relief to RATP maintenance workshops, which have been plagued by overworked agent strikes in recent months.
MF19, described as ile-de-France Mobilités “modern”, “comfortable” and having considerable capacity, will be available in several lengths depending on the requirements of the respective lines.
They will be able to switch from manual to automatic driving. A strong point since RATP continues the automation of some lines: after automating 4 as recently as January, 13 will turn by 2030.
New orders are coming for 3 and 7
Formally, it is now up to the RATP to formalize the order without further delay. Ile-de-France Mobilites requested “To RATP to order these trainsets as soon as possible and to respect the delivery and commissioning schedule”According to its press release.
The 103 trainsets will be assembled at the Alstom factories in Crespin and Valenciennes Petit-Foret in the north. “Orders to complete lines 8 and 12 as well as lines 3 and 7 will arrive soon”added ile-de-France Mobilités in its press release.
In total, these new trains will run on eight metro lines (3, 3bis, 7, 7bis, 8, 10, 12 and 13). “Their arrival, planned for 2025 on line 10, is part of the general policy of acceleration and modernization of the metro network”IDFM writes. “This policy has made it possible to launch an unprecedented investment of around 10 billion euros by 2035”Adds the organization.
The order voted on Tuesday is larger than the previous one, in 2019, when ile-de-France Mobilités and RATP signed a contract for 44 trains for lines 10, 3bis and 7bis of the Parisian network, which at the time was distributed 50/50. were done. Between manufacturers Alstom and Bombardier. Alstom has since bought Bombardier and is now the sole supplier.
While waiting to see these glittering trains plying, users have to be very patient and take a deep breath – preferably not in the metro, as the air is highly polluted. Because who says renovation, says that work and new major disruptions will be expected…
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