MF 77
| Company type | Rolling stock |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transport / Rail transport |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
| Products | Steel-wheeled metro trains |
| Parent | RATP (operator) |
The MF 77 (; a steel-wheeled metro train commissioned in 1977) represents a specific type of rolling stock deployed on the Paris Métro. Launched in 1978, this model currently serves Lines Paris Métro Line 7, Paris Métro Line 8, and Paris Métro Line 13.
Engineered with suburban transit in mind, the MF 77 boasts a top speed of , surpassing standard metro velocity limits. It is distinguished by its curved profile and an expanded midsection. Its initial blue-and-white color scheme led to the informal title le métro blanc.
Plans are in place to phase out the MF 77 trains in favor of the MF 19 series between 2027 and 2036. Replacement will commence on Line 13 in 2027, continue with Line 8 in 2029, and conclude on Line 7 by 2033. Following this transition, the entire network will operate trains featuring open gangways, automated audio announcements, and asynchronous motor technology.
Transition from the Sprague
During the early 1970s, after the introduction of the MF 67—the then-latest steel-wheeled trains on the Métro—advancements in braking systems and traction prompted the RATP, which manages Paris's public transit, to investigate new steel-wheeled rolling stock to replace the aging Sprague-Thomson units. A consortium composed of Alstom, CEM, Creusot-Loire, and Jeumont Schneider was tasked with developing the MF 77.
Originally, RATP placed an order for 1,000 cars—600 powered units intended for 200 five-car trainsets—but this was later scaled back to 187 trainsets totaling 935 cars. The first deliveries arrived in summer 1978, with service beginning on Line 13 on September 26; subsequently, MF 67 trains were reassigned to Line 8. A follow-up order for ten additional trainsets was placed in February 1983 and completed by 1986.
Recently, Line 13’s MF 77 trains underwent mid-life overhauls that included refreshed interiors, improved signage and lighting, plus mechanical enhancements. Nevertheless, RATP expressed dissatisfaction due to contractor-related issues and quality concerns. Although refurbishments are planned for Lines 8 and 7 next, RATP is evaluating alternative strategies that might involve more limited updates akin to previous MF 67 refurbishments seen on Lines 10 and 12.
As of January 2019, renovations on Lines 7 and 8 commenced but are less comprehensive than those performed on Line 13. Notable distinctions include:
- Retaining a consistent 2X2 seating layout at car centers instead of alternating between 2X1 as implemented on Line 13; longitudinal seating remains at car ends as on Line 13.
- Keeping original ceiling light fixtures and grilles rather than fully replacing them.
- Preserving existing handrails and static route maps while adding some new handrails.
- Excluding automated announcements, electronic strip maps, and door warning lights that were introduced during Line 13 upgrades.
The refurbished trains operating on Lines 7 and 8 will adopt a new blue-and-white livery jointly developed by RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités.
Formations
As of December 27, 2024:
- A total of 195 MF77 trainsets remain active, each composed of three motorized ("M") cars and two trailer ("T") cars (3M2T configuration).
- Allocation by line and depot includes:
- Line 7: 68 trainsets housed at Choisy (Paris) depot
- Line 8: 62 trainsets distributed between Lourmel (Paris) and Créteil depots
- Line 13: 65 trainsets stationed at Châtillon and Pleyel (Saint-Denis) depots
- Five vehicles (M.30138 - B.32138 - NA.31069 - B.32154 - M.30154) were originally part of trainsets numbered 069 and 077; these were converted into the experimental "BOA" train before being dismantled in 1980.
- Set G009 was retired in 2020 following a derailment incident at Châtillon-Montrouge station.
<- La Courneuve Ivry/Villejuif ->
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<- Balard Créteil ->
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<- Châtillon Asnières-Gennevilliers/Saint-Denis ->
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| Car number | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | M | T | M | T | M | |
| Identification | M30xxx | B32xxx | NA31xxx | B32xxx | M30xxx | |
| Equipment | CH | CP, SIV | CH | CP, SIV | CH | |
- CH: Chopper control (Kesar system)
- CP: Air compressor
- SIV: Static inverter
- Car number three was formerly designated first class
Fleet
The MF77 consists of a total of 195 trainsets distributed across the following lines:
- Line 7: 68 trainsets
- Line 8: 62 trainsets
- Line 13: 65 trainsets
Technical specifications
- Number of trainsets delivered: 197
- Formation: M+T+M+T+M (Formation I)
- Length:
- Width:
- Weight: total; motor cars , trailers
- Material used for construction: Aluminium alloy
- Power output:
- Acceleration: under standard load conditions
- Braking system: Dynamic rheostatic braking with regenerative capability down to , complemented by air brakes featuring disc brakes on every axle and rim brake shoes on trailer wheels
- Bogies: Solid wheels made from cast steel
- Maximum speed:
- Permitted operational speed:
- Doors: Three manually operated plug doors per side on each car, with an opening width of
- Ventilation system: Forced ventilation (without air conditioning)
- Seating arrangement: 128 fixed seats plus 118 folding seats
- Overall passenger capacity: 574
Other networks
- The Lisbon Metro utilized a derivative version known as ML79
References