MF 88
| Company type | Electric multiple unit |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Fate | Planned phase out starting in 2026 |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
| Products | Electric multiple units for Paris Métro |
| Parent | RATP Group |
The MF 88 () is an electric multiple unit with steel wheels, operated by the RATP Group on the Paris Métro network. This train was developed by a consortium led by Ateliers du Nord de la France and manufactured between 1990 and 1992, entering passenger service in 1993.
Following the successful testing of the "BOA" prototype, which was based on the MF 77, the MF 88 introduced several innovations such as open gangways to facilitate passenger movement and specialized bogies designed to minimize friction on the Métro’s tight curves. It was distinguished by its use of AC induction motors and an onboard integrated computer system, marking a significant technological progression in train design.
Primarily deployed on Line 7bis today, the MF 88 fleet consists of nine three-car trainsets, each capable of carrying up to 425 passengers. These units are planned to be phased out starting in 2026 with the arrival of the new MF 19 trains, as part of RATP’s ongoing modernization efforts.
Design
The MF 88 was produced in nine three-car sets specifically for Paris Métro Line 7bis, incorporating features developed from the BOA prototype. It was the first Paris Métro series to use AC motors supplied by GEC Alsthom instead of traditional DC motors and included interconnecting gangways between cars. The train introduced a novel computing system developed by TechnicAtome, replacing previous relay-based controls. Additionally, it featured an independent-wheeled steering axle configuration; however, this design led to operational difficulties and was not adopted in later models.
This series was the last on the Paris Métro without automatic passenger announcements and retained manually operated doors rather than simultaneous door openings found on newer trains. Due to high wear rates, maintenance expenses exceeded initial projections. The independent-wheeled steering axle contributed to increased track degradation because each intermediate bogie had only a single axle—a design uncommon among electric railcars but similar to that seen in automobiles, buses, certain rubber-tyred trains, and railbuses.
Technical specifications
- Manufacturers: GEC Alsthom, Faiveley, Renault, ANF
- Electrical system:
- Traction control: Gate turn-off thyristor (GTO)
- Power output: Two motors per motor car at each; total power per train
- Maximum speed: , currently restricted to due to rolling stock condition
- Bogie type: Bi-directional
- Train length:
Formations
As of 1 September 2022, eight MF 88 trainsets remained operational, with one unit having been retired in 2013.
By 1 March 2022, all active sets were assigned to the Pré Saint-Gervais depot for service on Line 7bis.
<- Louis Blanc /Pré Saint-Gervais ->
| ||||||
| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | M | T | M | |||
| Designation | 88M.xxx | 88B.xxx | 88M.xxx | |||
| Equipment | VVVF | CP, SIV | VVVF | |||