MP 73
| Company type | Train model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
| Products | Rubber-tyred metro trains |
The MP 73 (; ) is a rubber-tyred train model operating on Paris Métro Line 6. Launched in 1974, it shares similar performance features with the MP 59 and visually resembles the MF 67. Originally, it was delivered in a deep blue shade known as (King Blue), but has since been repainted in the standard RATP color scheme. The MP 73 marks the fourth generation of Paris’s rubber-tyred metro trains, succeeding the MP 51, MP 55, and MP 59 series.
All fifty trainsets were introduced within a single year, a distinctive occurrence in the history of Paris Metro rolling stock. For a period, some MP 73 trailers were combined with those from MP 59 trains to create hybrid formations; this practice ceased in 1999 following the arrival of the MP 89.
At present, the MP 73 is gradually being withdrawn from service on Line 6, with the MP 89 taking its place.
Adaptations of the MP 73 have been made for other transit systems: the Santiago Metro operates the NS 74 variant, while the Mexico City Metro uses the MP 82 model.
History
Following the introduction of MP 59 trains on Line 4, RATP determined that converting existing iron-wheel lines to rubber-tyred systems was prohibitively expensive and too slow to replace outdated rolling stock promptly. Consequently, RATP developed the iron-wheel MF 67 to accelerate network modernization. However, due to Line 6’s extensive elevated sections, rubber-tyred trains were selected to minimize noise and vibrations impacting nearby residents.
The MP 73 features angular design cues similar to those of the MF 67 and was initially painted with a vibrant blue lower body and light gray upper section to endure outdoor conditions. The interiors were originally light gray but later refreshed with blue, green, and yellow hues alongside the standard RATP exterior colors. Each five-car trainset consists of two motor cars equipped with driver cabs, one motor car without a cab, and two passenger cars. The bogies are fitted with "ZZ" ribbed tires to enhance traction on outdoor tracks during wet weather.
All fifty trainsets were delivered between July 1 and July 31, 1974. They offered a significant reduction in noise compared to the Sprague-Thomson trains they replaced—external noise levels dropped from approximately 80 dB(A) to about 67.5 dB(A), while interior noise decreased from around 82 dB(A) down to roughly 64 dB(A).
Until 1975, MP 73 trains operated alongside Sprague-Thomson stock on Line 6. Some units were temporarily assigned to Lines 4 (until 1979) and 11 (until 1999), running concurrently with MP 59 and MP 55 trains respectively. On Line 4, MP 73 trains were extended to six cars to match the length of MP 59 formations.
Initially, interior doors and articulation sections lacked glazing but were later fitted with windows to deter vandalism and improve durability.
Beginning in 1996, RATP initiated a refurbishment program that introduced new black front ends consistent with updated MP 59 and MF 67 trains, replaced leather seats with anti-laceration alternatives, refreshed interior color schemes emphasizing green and yellow tones, and upgraded fluorescent lighting. This overhaul started with a prototype in July 1996 and concluded by April 2002 through collaboration between RATP workshops and Cannes La Bocca Industries. By 2012, all operational MP 73 sets had undergone refurbishment.
Another update took place during 2017–2018 when interior door panels were repainted light gray, replacing their previous chrome finish.
The phase-out of the MP 73 began at the end of 2022 as MP 89 CC trains transferred from Line 4 progressively replaced them on Line 6; this transition is expected to be completed by 2026. The final MP 73 train on Line 11 was retired in July 2022 and succeeded by MP 14 trains.
Technical specifications
The MP 73 trainsets operate at a maximum speed of , with each powered car containing four 750-volt motors. These motors are regulated by a JH camshaft mechanism, which is driven by a low-voltage 72 V servo motor featuring thirty distinct notches. The 72 V electrical supply, which also powers the lighting system, is derived from a rotary converter. Braking is entirely pneumatic, offering eleven notches controlled through a solenoid valve.
These trains are equipped with ribbed tires, have lighter car bodies, updated front-end designs, and improved seating for enhanced passenger comfort. The traction motors, designated as Type MP4, are identical to those utilized in the MP 68 trains of the Mexico City metro system.
To effectively manage steep inclines and frequent stops at closely spaced stations, the trains maintain a high motor-to-trailer (M/T) ratio. This configuration guarantees adequate power for climbing and swift acceleration.
Similar to other Paris Métro trains that use rubber tires (with the exception of the MP 14), the braking system employs wooden brake shoes.
Variants
The MP 86 served as an experimental version of the MP 73, fitted with engines and suspension components sourced from Marseille’s MPM 76 metro line. It was operational on Paris Metro line 11 until at least 1999, arranged in an M-T-T-M formation.
Although official documentation is scarce, workshop records reveal that the MP 86 incorporated Renault VI heavy truck drive axles, Faiveley windshield wipers, bogies manufactured by ANF, and Alsthom MP 41 A traction motors.
Its layout consisted of two motorized cars with driver cabins (M) and two trailer cars (B), one of which was equipped with automatic pilot technology. The cars were numbered M 3599 & 3600 and B 7006 & 7050. The prototype has since been retired from service; only trailer B.7006 remains active as part of train number 6506.