MF 19
| Industry | Rail transport manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1928 |
| Headquarters | Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine , France |
| Products | Trains, including MF 19 series for Paris Métro |
| Parent | None |
| Website | www |
The MF 19 (Métro Fer appel d'offres 2019) represents a newly designed series of trains under development by Alstom for the Paris Métro. This fleet is planned to substitute the older rolling stock on Lines 3, 3bis, 7, 7bis, 8, 10, 12, and 13 starting from late 2025. On Lines 3bis and 7bis, the current 3-car trains will be replaced by enhanced 4-car sets, whereas Lines 3, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 13 will operate new 5-car configurations. The program envisions up to 410 trainsets (totaling 2,036 cars), positioning the MF 19 as the most extensively deployed train model across the network by the mid-2030s.
Background
From 2008 through 2016, RATP undertook modernization efforts on Lines 2, 5, and 9 by phasing out MF 67 units in favor of newer MF 01 trains, effectively reducing the fleet’s average age. Despite these upgrades, several lines continued operating rolling stock approaching obsolescence. The MF 67 trains, with an average age ranging between 43 and 53 years, alongside roughly four-decade-old MF 77 models, necessitated replacement. Additionally, the less dependable MF 88 trains were identified for renewal.
A tender initiated in May 2017 drew proposals from an Italian-Japanese consortium comprising Ansaldo-Hitachi, Spanish manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, and the French-Canadian alliance of Alstom-Bombardier. The initial procurement targeted replacing a minimum of 338 trainsets.
The initial deployment of MF 19 units was planned for service entry in 2024. Following this, Île-de-France Mobilités urged RATP to expedite implementation on Lines 3bis, 7bis, and 10. The rollout strategy revealed in April 2019 aimed for Line 10 introduction in 2024; Lines 3bis and 7bis between 2024 and 2026; Line 13 in 2027; and Lines 3, 7, 8, and 12 within the period from 2026 to 2030.
Contract award and production
On November 29, 2019, Île-de-France Mobilités granted a €2.9 billion contract to the French-Canadian partnership Alstom-Bombardier for up to 410 MF 19 trainsets. The firm portion of the agreement included provision of 44 trains designated for lines 3bis, 7bis, and 10.
The contract signing occurred at the close of 2019 with deployment initially slated between 2024 and 2035. Since March 2020, Bombardier Transport personnel have been engaged remotely in designing the MF 19. Production activities commenced in March 2022; by November that year, Alstom unveiled a front-end frame at their facilities featuring the second design alternative chosen among three options presented during bidding.
On December 7, 2022, Île-de-France Mobilités authorized modifications to stations and infrastructure on lines 13 and 8 to support the new rolling stock. Service introduction is anticipated in 2027 on line 13 and in 2030 on line 8. Trains on line 13 are planned to operate autonomously as part of a full automation project targeted for completion by 2035.
In March 2023, an updated delivery timeline was publicized: beginning in 2024 with replacement of MF 67 trains on line 10; followed by MF 88 units in 2025; MF 67 on line 3bis in 2026; MF 77 on line 13 in 2027; MF 67 on line 12 in 2028; MF 77 on line 8 in 2029; MF 67 on line 3 in 2030; and finally MF 77 on line 7 in 2032.
Due to delays reported in December 2023, entry into service for line 10 was postponed until late-2025 with subsequent rollouts staggered through to line 7 by 2033.
Testing operations for the inaugural MF 19 train commenced on line 10 in March 2025.
Characteristics
The trains will be offered in two configurations: one equipped with a driver's cab (CC) and another without it (CA). They incorporate the OCTYS communications-based train control system on compatible lines, alongside the PA135 driver-supervised automatic train control system utilized on various Paris Metro routes.
Two interior designs will be implemented: a “comfort” layout prioritizing seating capacity for lines 3, 3bis, 7bis, 10, and 12, and a “capacity” layout that increases standing space to accommodate higher passenger volumes on lines 7, 8, and 13.
Regarding the automation of line 13, which was authorized by Île-de-France Mobilités in December 2022, there is potential for ordering an automatic version (CA) of the MF 19. These trains are engineered to switch from manual to fully automated operation, aligning with the network’s automation goals aiming for complete automation by 2035.
According to Bombardier, energy consumption is reduced by approximately 20% compared to MF 77 models, thanks to regenerative braking technology and the use of LED lighting throughout.
The MF 19 series will be available in three variants:
- Short: consisting of four cars, intended for lines 3bis and 7bis.
- Medium: comprising five cars, designated for lines 3, 10, and 12.
- Long: also five-car sets, assigned to lines 7, 8, and 13.
The long variant serves as a replacement for MF 77 trains and necessitates relocating operational equipment from station fronts into tunnel niches, resulting in a distinct visual difference in the train’s exterior.