MP 59
| Company type | Electric multiple unit |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Founder | CIMT-Lorraine, Jeumont-Schneider, Alsthom, CEM |
| Defunct | 2024 |
| Fate | Retired and replaced by MP 14 trains |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
Area served | Paris Métro Lines 1, 4, and 11 |
| Products | Rubber-tyred metro trains |
The MP 59 (; ) was a rubber-tyred electric multiple unit that operated on the Paris Métro from 1963 until 2024. Constructed by a collaboration of manufacturers including CIMT-Lorraine for the car bodies, Jeumont-Schneider for the control systems, and both Alsthom and CEM for the motors, these trains were introduced as Lines 1 and 4 transitioned to rubber-tyred technology. The MP 59 served on Line 1 between 1963 and 2000, on Line 4 from 1966 to 2012, and on Line 11 from 1995 until its retirement in 2024. At the time of their withdrawal, alongside the Sprague-Thomson, they ranked among the world’s longest-serving metro trains, with a service life spanning over six decades.
Withdrawal from Line 4
After the deployment of automated MP 05 trains on Line 1, the remaining fleet of 48 MP 59 trainsets on Line 4 was gradually replaced by MP 89 CC models, following a similar modernization path as Line 1. The first MP 89 CC arrived in April 2011 and commenced operation in May of that year. The initial MP 59 unit to be retired was train #049 in April 2011, while the final one, #021, left service in December 2012.
Although there were initial intentions to transfer some MP 59 units to Line 11 to supplement its rolling stock, these plans were ultimately canceled. All MP 59 trains retired from Line 4 were dismantled; however, components were salvaged to maintain the remaining MP 59 fleet running on Line 11.
Withdrawal from Line 11
The last MP 59 trains operating on Line 11 were phased out by Île-de-France Mobilités in favor of a new fleet of thirty-nine MP 14 trains. These modern MP 14 units are five-car formations operated with drivers. Although the final scheduled day for MP 59 service was May 23, 2024, some trains continued running into early June. The very last MP 59 trains concluded operations on June 12, 2024, just one day before the line extended to , adding six new stations on June 13.
Technical specifications
- Total train length:
- Width:
- Height above rail level:
- Floor height:
- Weight (operational):
- Maximum passenger capacity (at four passengers per m2): up to 700 individuals with seating for 144
- Folding seats available during off-peak hours: 146
- Top speed:
- Peak power output:
- Average acceleration: at four passengers per m2
- Maximum standard braking force:
Related networks
- The Montreal Metro operates a derivative known as MR-63
- A variant called MP-68 is utilized by the Mexico City Metro
- The Santiago Metro runs a modified version referred to as NS-74
References
- This article is adapted from its French counterpart