MPM-10

Bombardier Transportation and Alstom consortium
Company type	Consortium
Industry	Rail transport manufacturing
Founder	Bombardier Transportation, Alstom
Headquarters	Montreal (implied from context), Canada
Products	MPM-10 Azur metro trains

The MPM-10 (Montréal Pneumatic Material 2010), commonly referred to as the Azur, represents the third and most recent generation of rubber-tired rolling stock deployed on the Montreal Metro. This model was developed through a partnership between Bombardier Transportation and Alstom. The initial MPM-10 train began operating on the Orange Line in February 2016, fully replacing the original MR-63 fleet from the first generation. In total, 71 nine-car trains have been manufactured and are currently in service across both the Orange and Green Lines.

History

By the mid-2000s, the original MR-63 trains servicing Montreal’s metro system were approaching four decades in operation, accompanied by escalating maintenance expenses. The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) set forth plans to introduce a new generation of rolling stock within ten years to replace these aging units.

In May 2006, the Government of Quebec announced it was negotiating a $1.2 billion agreement with Bombardier Transportation to replace the 336-car MR-63 fleet, then referred to as MR-08, aiming for deployment in the early 2010s. Alstom criticized this direct award approach, highlighting their own manufacturing presence in Quebec and advocating for an open bidding process. Negotiations concentrated on managing costs, defining contract terms, technical specifications, and warranty conditions; failure to reach an agreement would result in initiating a competitive tender.

On 10 January 2008, the Quebec Superior Court ruled in favor of Alstom’s right to participate in bidding, rejecting the government’s attempt to circumvent competition by designating Bombardier as the sole domestic supplier. Consequently, a formal bidding process commenced in February 2008, causing a delivery delay estimated between nine and twelve months. By November 2008, Bombardier and Alstom had formed a joint consortium to submit a unified bid.

In December 2009, Chinese manufacturer CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive expressed interest with a proposal for a more cost-effective steel-wheeled fleet coupled with plans for a Quebec-based factory that could generate up to 1,000 jobs, aligning with Canadian content policies. Additionally, Spanish firm CAF, recognized for expertise in rubber-tired metro vehicles, also submitted interest while raising concerns about potential protectionist practices. Both proposals were ultimately declined by STM.

Contract award

In October 2010, the Quebec government granted a CAD 1.2 billion contract to the Bombardier–Alstom consortium for producing 468 metro cars. Bombardier projected initial revenue service starting February 2014 with deliveries extending through 2018. Funding responsibilities were divided with Quebec covering three-quarters of costs and Montréal financing the remainder.

In May 2012, following a public naming contest, STM officially designated the new trains as Azur, reflecting the system’s signature clear blue color scheme. The finalized design was unveiled in June 2012. By May 2013, STM had completed necessary tunnel modifications for testing the prototype train, including grinding approximately 200 meters of tunnel track to accommodate the Azur’s softer suspension system.

Construction

The Azur trains incorporate approximately 60% Canadian-made components. Their bogies are manufactured at Alstom’s Sorel-Tracy facility and are adapted from Paris Métro models to include STM-specific wooden brake shoes. Final assembly takes place at Bombardier’s plant in La Pocatière. The first prototype was revealed in November 2013 and delivered by April 2014.

Testing phases revealed several infrastructure compatibility challenges such as inadequate electrical power supply. In January 2015, Bombardier halted production for six months due to delays related to automated train control software development and financing complications. By April 2015, only four fully operational trains had been delivered; although an additional 28 cars had been assembled, production was paused. Bombardier attributed these setbacks primarily to issues with a subcontractor responsible for automatic driving systems. These problems were resolved by late 2015, allowing progress toward meeting the planned completion deadline of 2018.

Service Introduction

Following a six-month evaluation period, the first new trainsets began commercial operation at 10 a.m. on February 7, 2016, departing from Henri-Bourassa station en route to Côte-Vertu. These modern trains were initially met with positive public reception.

On January 14, 2017, the STM withdrew all trainsets after identifying abnormal wear on the negative collector shoe attributed to lateral forces. Operations recommenced on January 28, 2017. Subsequently, on August 14, 2017, the inaugural Azur train was introduced on the Green Line for testing purposes to assess performance under passenger load conditions. By October of the same year, two Azur trains were actively running on the Green Line.

In February 2018, the Montreal Gazette reported that the Bombardier–Alstom partnership agreed to supply two complimentary trainsets as compensation for delays in delivering the initial six units. By May 2018, a total of 43 Azur trainsets had been delivered, enabling the complete phase-out of the MR-63 fleet, which was officially retired in June 2018.

Additional Procurement

In May 2018, the STM revealed that funding from the Quebec government would support an extra order of 17 nine-car Azur trains (amounting to 153 cars). This procurement was intended to replace aging MR-73 cars and allow Azur trains to cover approximately 90% of Green Line service. The contract option, valued at $448 million, was finalized in November 2018. By December 2021, delivery was completed with the final Azur train entering service, bringing the total to 71 nine-car sets.

Operational Service

In September 2019, STM announced plans to install straps for standing passengers aboard Azur trains in response to feedback indicating that existing grab bars were positioned too high. In 2020, STM implemented display features on the Metrovision platform showing occupancy and crowding levels within trains. This system assists riders in selecting less crowded cars and supports social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Technical Specifications

The MPM-10 Azur incorporates full-width open-gangway connections between cars, boosting passenger capacity by approximately 8% compared to previous models. The trains are equipped with air suspension systems, enlarged windows, wider doorways, and designated wheelchair areas—although a majority of stations remain inaccessible. Interior enhancements include improved natural lighting, high-definition television screens, an upgraded public address system, and security cameras. Ventilation is enhanced through adjustable passenger airflow systems that rapidly introduce fresh outside air; however, these trains do not feature air conditioning.

The MPM-10 employs Alstom OPTONIX IGBT–VVVF traction control systems manufactured in the United States. It is capable of reaching speeds up to , exceeding those of earlier MR-63 and MR-73 models. Due to increased capacity and equipment weight, each MPM-10 train weighs approximately 238 tonnes (about 26.4 tonnes per car), making it heavier than its predecessors.

Lines Served

Green Line (operational since 2017)  
Orange Line (operational since 2016)

Train Formation

As of As of December 2021^[update]:

Line Number	Colour	Number of Trainsets	Configuration	Notes
1	style="background: #Template:Rcr" \|	26 trainsets (234 cars)	{10-xx1} + 10-xx2 + 10-xx3 + 10-xx4 + 10-xx5 + 10-xx6 + 10-xx7 + 10-xx8 + {10-xx9}	The historic MR-63 fleet has been replaced by MR-73 and MPM-10 Azur trains.
2	style="background: #Template:Rcr" \|	45 trainsets (405 cars)	{10-xx1} + 10-xx2 + 10-xx3 + 10-xx4 + 10-xx5 + 10-xx6 + 10-xx7 + 10-xx8 + {10-xx9}	Exclusively operated by MPM-10 Azur trains.

External links