MP 14 (Paris Métro)
| Company type | Electric multiple unit |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founder | Alstom |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
Area served | Paris Métro |
| Products | Rubber-tyred metro trains (MP 14 series) |
| Parent | Alstom |
The MP 14 (Métro Pneumatique appel d'offres de 2014) is an electric multiple unit equipped with rubber tires, designed for the Paris Métro and produced by Alstom as a member of the Alstom Metropolis series. This model marks the seventh iteration of rubber-tyred rolling stock deployed across the network, currently operating on Lines 14, 4, and 11.[1][2] Future acquisitions may extend service to Lines 1 and 6.[1][2]
The automated variant commenced operations on Line 14 in 2020,[3] followed by its introduction on Line 4 in 2022,[4] while a manually piloted version began service on Line 11 in June 2023. The deployment of the MP 14 is catalyzing a significant reorganization of the fleet, with RATP reallocating MP 89 CA and MP 05 trains from Line 14 to Line 4, shifting MP 89 CC units from Line 4 to Line 6, and phasing out all remaining MP 59 and MP 73 trains from Lines 11 and 6 respectively.
Background
Modifications in governmental rail transport policies, particularly the ORTF Law enacted on December 8, 2009, mandate that the STIF finance half of the costs for replacement rolling stock (such as the MF 01 trains on Line 9) and cover full expenses for new lines and extensions (for example, the MP 05 trains on Line 14). In response, STIF formulated a comprehensive plan aimed at substituting outdated train models with new units tailored to accommodate the network’s expansion. This assessment confirmed the necessity for a fresh series of rubber-tyred trains.
The objective behind procuring new rolling stock was twofold: to boost capacity on selected lines and to substitute aging units elsewhere. By 2012, STIF had identified enhancing capacity on Line 14 as a priority due to upcoming northern and southern extensions. This expansion involved lengthening train formations from six to eight cars, supported by corresponding station upgrades along Line 14. Additionally, plans were made to replace the aging MP 59 trains on Line 11 and MP 73 trains on Line 6, both expected to reach the end of their operational lifespan around 2020.
Orders
In January 2015, RATP secured a €2 billion framework agreement with Alstom for the supply of MP 14 trains. The initial contract covered the delivery of thirty-five eight-car automated trainsets for Line 14, valued at roughly €500 million. Subsequent procurements included:
- Twenty six-car fully automated units for Line 4, ordered in December 2016 (€163 million)
- Twenty five-car manually operated trains for Line 11, commissioned in February 2018 (€157 million)
- A further nineteen trainsets for Line 11 requested in July 2021
These acquisitions highlight a strategic commitment to update rolling stock, increase passenger capacity, and advance automation across multiple Paris Métro routes.
Deliveries
The first MP 14 was delivered to RATP in 2019 and initially underwent testing on Line 1 due to incomplete infrastructure on Line 14’s northern extension and its new maintenance depot. Testing procedures involved emergency braking trials, precise stopping aligned with platform screen doors, and reliability assessments during overnight shutdowns. After approximately one year of testing, the vehicle returned to Alstom facilities for interior outfitting suitable for passenger service.
Line 14
The inaugural production MP 14 arrived at Line 14 in June 2020 and completed a three-month testing phase involving operational staff before entering revenue service in October 2020. Since then, Alstom has delivered roughly two trainsets monthly, each undergoing a two-week final validation period prior to deployment. Unlike previous models such as the MP 89 CA and MP 05, these MP 14 trains consist of eight cars (designated MP 14–8), thereby substantially enhancing capacity on Line 14.
Line 4
In 2019, a prototype MP 14 train was introduced for overnight and early Sunday morning trials on Line 4, followed by a second unit arriving in March 2022. Passenger operations with MP 14 trains commenced on 13 September 2022, coinciding with the complete automation of the line. The delivery of the remaining 18 trains occurred between June 2023 and January 2024. The MP 14 trains deployed on Line 4 consist of six-car formations (MP 14–6).
Line 11
An MP 14 train was assigned to Line 11 in October 2021 to conduct tests related to the extension toward Rosny–Bois-Perrier. These five-car sets (MP 14–5) operate under manual control, distinguishing them from other MP 14 variants. By October 2022, four trains extended their testing to the elevated section of the extension, utilizing ballast to simulate passenger loads and assess viaduct integrity. Driver training programs began in January 2023. Installation finalized by May, enabling commercial service launch on 1 June 2023. The full fleet of 18 MP 14 trains is anticipated to be operational by mid-July, with deliveries at a pace of four units weekly.
Description
Following the example set by its predecessor, the MP 89, this latest series of rubber-tyred rolling stock is organized into two distinct subclasses:
- A fully automated (CA) variant featuring eight-car trains (MP 14–8), deployed on Line 14. Additionally, a six-car automated version (MP 14–6) was introduced on Line 4 after its conversion to automatic operation.
- A manually operated (CC) variant consisting of five-car trains (MP 14–5), intended to replace the MP 59 stock on Line 11.
Exterior
The MP 14’s exterior design marks a departure from earlier models such as the MP 89 and MP 05, which were characterized by pointed noses crafted by designer Roger Tallon. Instead, the MP 14 features a flat front fascia accented by an LED light strip and a streamlined body shape reminiscent of the MF 77 stock, optimizing interior space utilization. Windows have been redesigned with rounded corners rather than the previous rectangular form.
The livery adopts the new Île-de-France Mobilités color scheme—primarily white with grey highlights and light blue stripes—superseding the traditional RATP jade green. On manually operated MP 14 trains serving Line 11, the front window is replaced with a door providing access to the driver’s cabin.
Interior
Inside, the color palette combines white and gray-beige tones complemented by blue seating and red-colored reserved seats. Seating arrangements follow a transverse layout of 2 + 1/2 + 0, incorporating designated areas for luggage and wheelchair accessibility throughout the train.
Lighting is exclusively LED-based, including vertical strips positioned near doorways that illuminate orange during door closure, synchronized with audible alerts.
Passenger information is communicated through AVSA (Annonces Visuelles et Sonores Automatiques), featuring illuminated route maps above doors alongside voice announcements. LCD screens provide details such as upcoming stops, transfer options, train destinations, route diagrams, and platform exit guidance based on real-time train location—an approach inspired by systems used in Japan.
The trains are equipped with comprehensive air conditioning for enhanced passenger comfort; windows are fixed and do not open.
Technical characteristics
The MP 14 runs on CL449 bogies equipped with iron wheels and rubber tires, engineered for speeds up to 80 km/h. These mono-motor bogies house a centrally located traction motor and employ dual suspension systems: primary rubber springs coupled with secondary pneumatic springs to improve ride quality. Compared to its predecessor, the MP 05, the MP 14 achieves approximately a 20% increase in energy efficiency.
Its traction control utilizes an OniX 572 inverter incorporating Alstom-manufactured IGBT modules. Both traction motors and inverters are monitored and regulated by the AGATE (Advanced Gec Alstom Traction Electronic) supervision system.
Orders
| Category | Quantity of trains ordered | Train numbers in series | Status of batch | Metro line(s) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA 8-car sets (MP14-8) | 72 | 35 – 72 units | Batch confirmed | Template:R-I Template:R-I |
|
| CA 8-car sets (MP14-8) | 3 | 1 – 15 units | Conditional batch (TC1) | Template:R-I Template:R-I |
|
| CA 6-car sets (MP14-6) | 24 | 20 – 50 units | Confirmed batch (formerly Conditional batch TC2) | Template:R-I Template:R-I |
|
| CC 5-car sets (MP14-5) | 39 | 10 – 80 units | Confirmed batch (formerly Conditional batch TC3) | Template:R-I Template:R-I |
|
| Total | 138 | ||||
Line 4
operates fully automated trains configured as six-car sets, designated MP 14–6 (4M2T). The extension reaching Bagneux–Lucie Aubrac became operational in 2022, with complete automation expected by the close of 2023.
As of December 4, 2024, twenty six-car trainsets are assigned to the Saint-Ouen depot servicing Line 4.
<- Pte de Clignancourt Bagneux ->
| |||||||
| Car Number | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | T | M | M | M | M | T | |
| Identification | S1.VB-12xx | N1.VB-12xx | N.VB-12xx | N2.VB-12xx | N1.VB-12xx | S2.VB-12xx | |
Line 11
operates manually controlled trains arranged in five-car formations, MP14–5 (3M2T), replacing the previous four-car MP 59 models.
As of December 4, 2024, thirty-three five-car sets are based at Rosny depot for deployment on Line 11.
<- Châtelet Rosny-sous-Bois ->
| |||||
! Car Number !! 1 !! 2 !! 3 !! 4 !!5 |} ! Type |} T || M || M || M || T |} ! Identification |} S1.VC-14xx || N1.VC-14xx || N2.VC-14xx || N1.VC-14xx || S2.VC-14xx |}
Line 14
Line 14 operates fully automated trains configured in eight-car sets, designated MP14–8 (5M3T), marking it as the inaugural route to utilize MP14 rolling stock.
By 4 December 2024, a total of 66 eight-car trainsets are assigned between the Saint-Ouen and Morangis depots to serve Line 14.
<- Saint-Denis Aéroport d'Orly ->
| |||||||||
| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | T | M | M | T | M | M | M | T | |
| Designation | S1.VA-10xx | N1.VA-10xx | N.VA-10xx | B.VA-10xx | N3.VA-10xx | N2.VA-10xx | N1.VA-10xx | S2.VA-10xx | |
- "M" indicates a motorized car
- "T" indicates a trailer car
References
- This article's content is derived from its French counterpart.
- STIF - Metro Modernization - Press release dated 8 February 2012 Accessed May 3, 2012.
- STIF - Extension of Line 11 to the East - February 2013 Accessed February 21, 2013.
- New MP14 trains introduced on Paris Metro Line 14 Accessed October 12, 2020.
- "Study and supply of rubber-tyred trains for Paris Métro lines 1, 4, 6, 11, and 14 as well as the Nouveau Grand Paris," avisdemarche.com via web.archive.org, 11 May 2013 (retrieved November 12, 2019)
- "Île-de-France Mobilités initiates replacement of Line 11 trainsets," [PDF], iledefrance-mobilites.fr [archive], December 13, 2017 (retrieved January 18, 2018).
- Ville, Rail et Transports website Accessed February 14, 2019.
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