MPM 76
| Industry | Rail transport manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | MTE |
| Founded | 1928 |
| Products | Rolling stock, including MPM-76 trains |
The MPM-76 (Métro Pneumatique Marseille 1976) represents a rubber-tyred Electric Multiple Unit manufactured by Alstom specifically for the Marseille Metro system.
History
After the 1971 call for bids concerning Marseille's metro network, an agreement was finalized on 1 November 1973 to supply 21 trains, each composed of three cars. The initial unit arrived in August 1976, with trial runs commencing at La Rose depot the following month. Subsequent deliveries proceeded throughout the summer of 1977.
The train's development was a joint effort involving RATP Group and its subsidiary SOFRETU, with prototype testing carried out on Paris Métro Line 11. Production responsibilities were shared among industrial collaborators such as CIMT and MTE (which later became part of Alstom), under the supervision of Société Générale de Travaux et d'Etudes (SGTE).
With the inauguration of the second metro line, an additional order for 15 three-car trains was placed and fulfilled by early 1983. To meet increasing passenger demand, existing sets were expanded by adding a fourth car in 1985.
A comprehensive mid-life overhaul occurred between 2005 and 2007, extending service life ahead of an anticipated withdrawal around 2028.
Overview
The trainsets measure in length and in width, with an unladen weight totaling 75 tons. Their car bodies are fabricated from welded aluminum.
Power is drawn through a wiper-type current collector operating at 750 volts DC.
The MPM-76 employs rubber-tyred metro technology pioneered by RATP for the Paris Métro. It is based on the RATP MP 73 design, sharing similar motor sound characteristics to the MP 59 model.
Composition
A complete train consists of four cars: two motorized end cars equipped with driver cabs flanking one trailer car, plus an additional motor car lacking a cab.
Car designations are assigned as follows:
- MA 01 to MA 42: motor end cars delivered from 1976 to 1977
- RA 01 to RA 21: trailers delivered during 1976-77
- MB 01 to MB 30: motor end cars delivered in 1983
- RB 01 to RB 15: trailers delivered in 1983
- NB 01 to NB 36: intermediate motorized units ("neutral")
Train identification corresponds to their trailer number, ranging from 1 through 36.
Traction
The MPM-76 units can achieve a top speed of .
Each traction group features two motorized bogies fitted with two electric motors each, functioning at 750 V and rated at a continuous output of 130 kW. These motors are wired in series pairs and regulated by Jeumont-Heidmann resistor contactors.
Braking
The braking system integrates:
- Regenerative electric braking
- Pneumatic mechanical brakes
Mechanical braking employs beechwood shoes pressing against iron safety treads on wheels. Certain parts are manufactured at the Vaugirard workshop associated with the Paris Métro.
Interior design
Each four-car formation provides seating for 182 passengers within a total capacity of 472.
Seating is arranged in pairs across the width of the car, positioned perpendicular to sidewalls. Seats consist of polyester shells without upholstery or padding to deter vandalism.
In 2015, closed-circuit television cameras were installed in all cars for enhanced security.
Future
There are considerations underway to replace the MPM-76 fleet with newer rolling stock around the year 2020.