MP 89
| Company type | Electric multiple unit train |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transport |
| Predecessor | MP 59 |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Roger Tallon |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
| Products | Rubber-tyred metro trains |
| Parent | Alstom |
The MP 89 (; Rubber-tyred metro introduced in 1989) is a rubber-tyred electric multiple unit operating on the Paris Métro. Conceived by Roger Tallon and manufactured by Alstom, this model exists in two versions serving Lines Paris Métro Line 4 and Paris Métro Line 14, with additional deployment on Line 6. Originally assigned to Line 1, these trains were relocated to Line 4 between 2011 and 2013, replacing the older MP 59 units. Out of the entire fleet, only 48 trains remain active in passenger service, while four are kept as operational reserves at Montrouge or Saint Ouen.
Description
The MP 89 introduced a range of pioneering features across its variants, setting a benchmark for the modernization of Metro rolling stock.
A significant innovation was the introduction of automatic door operation on the platform side, removing the need for passengers to manually open or close doors. This system is particularly suitable for the predominantly subterranean lines it serves and was subsequently implemented on the MF 2000 and MP 05 train models.
The train is equipped with an audio-visual automatic system (AVSA Annonces Visuelles et Sonores Automatiques) that detects platform alignment—left or right side—to open doors accordingly and controls automated station announcements. This capability is essential on curved platforms, where multilingual gap warnings are broadcast to improve passenger safety.
For example, MP 89 CC trains operating on Line 4 repeatedly announce "Barbès – Rochechouart" when approaching curved platforms, followed by a multilingual "mind the gap" caution. The MP 89 CA variant does not include this feature since Line 14 platforms are straight.
Another advancement is the presence of inter-car gangways, initially developed with the prototype BOA and MF 88. The MP 89 employs different gangway designs between its CC (SIG-Hübner) and CA (Paulstra) versions. These designs were further improved in later MF 2000 and MP 05 models.
Manually operated (CC) trains (Lines 4 and 6)
The MP 89 CC version is manually driven and served Line 1 from its introduction in 1997 until February 2013, replacing the outdated MP 59 stock. The first unit (#01) was delivered in 1995 without articulation; gangways were added prior to entering service in 1997. A total of 52 six-car trains were procured for Line 1.
Between 2006 and 2007, certain trains trialed an LCD passenger information display system (Dilidam), which was later adopted by the automated MP 05 trains currently running on Line 1.
Key distinctions between CC and CA models include differences in driver cabin layout and gangway construction. Most CC units have reinforced solid-panel gangways designed to resist damage caused by sharp curves at stations such as Bastille and during tunnel storage. However, since 2000, some trains (#02, 08, 09, 13, 18, 51, and 52) have been fitted with rubber gangways, while six others (#43, 45, 46, 48, 49, and 50) feature prototype gangways later incorporated into MF 01 stock. Train #12 received MF 01-style gangways in 2012 after being reassigned to Line 4; train #01 was similarly upgraded in March 2014.
Due to tighter curves on Line 4 causing accelerated gangway wear, there were plans to retrofit all MP 89 CC trains with rubber gangways akin to those on MP 05 units. However, modifications to Line 4’s track infrastructure ultimately led to cancellation of this retrofit initiative.
Transfer of (CC) rolling stock to Line 4
Between April 2011 and March 2013, the MP 89 CC trains were progressively relocated from Line 1 to Line 4 as Line 1 transitioned to automated operation with the introduction of the new MP 05 trains. This shift allowed for the phase-out of the older MP 59 units on Line 4.
The first train, numbered #01, was transferred to Line 4 in April 2011 following upgrades including automated announcements; it commenced service on May 23. By September, train #44 began operation as the transfer pace increased to two or three trains monthly concurrent with the MP 05 rollout on Line 1.
Complete automation of Line 1 was achieved by December 21, 2012; however, three MP 89 units (#02, #46, and #50) continued to operate during peak hours until February 21, 2013, when MP 05 stock fully took over under centralized control.
By June 2013, all 52 MP 89 CC trains had been assigned to Line 4. Of these, only 48 remained in active passenger service, reflecting a similar deployment pattern as the earlier MP 59 trains. The remaining four units were held as operational reserves, stored either at Mairie de Montrouge depot or Saint Ouen workshop.
MP89 CC
These trains ran in six-car formations (4 motor cars and 2 trailers). As of January 13, 2024, all six-car sets were based at Saint-Ouen Depot. They ceased operations on Line 4 on December 15, 2023, and officially departed from service on that line by June 2024.
<- Pte de Clignancourt Bagneux ->
| |||||||
| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | T | M | M | M | M | T | |
| Designation | 89 S xxx (even number) | 89 N1 xxx (even number) | 89 N2 xxx (even number) | 82 N2 xxx (odd number) | 89 N1 xxx (odd number) | 89 S xxx (odd number) | |
| Equipment | CP, SIV | VVVF | VVVF | VVVF | VVVF | CP, SIV | |
Additionally, five-car sets (comprising three motor cars and two trailers) operate on Line 6. As of July 1, 2024, eighteen such formations are assigned to the Place d’Italie depot.
<- Étoile Nation ->
| |||||||
| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | T | M | M | M | T | ||
| Designation | 89 S xxx (even number) | 89 N1 xxx (even number) | 89 N2 xxx (even number) | 82 N2 xxx (odd number) | 89 S xxx (odd number) | ||
| Equipment | CP, SIV | VVVF | VVVF | VVVF | CP, SIV | ||
One six-car set remains without assignment.
MP89 CA
These driverless six-car trains (configured as four motor and two trailer cars) are currently allocated exclusively to Saint-Ouen Depot for operations on Line 4. As of May 4, 2023, twenty-one sets are stationed there.
<- Pte de Clignancourt Bagneux ->
| |||||||
! Car No. !!1!!2!!3!!4!!5!!6 |} ! Type |} T || M || M || M || M || T |} ! Designation |} 89 S1 xxx (even number) ||89 N1 xxx (even number) ||89 N2 xxx (even number) ||82 N2 xxx (odd number)||89 N1 xxx (odd number)||89 S1 xxx (odd number) |} ! Equipment |} CP, SIV || VVVF || VVVF || VVVF || VVVF || CP, SIV |} Prior to March 24, 2023, these driverless six-car MP89 CA trains also operated on Line 14 until their retirement from that line.
! Car No. !!1!!2!!3!!4!!5!!6 |} ! Type |} T||M||M||M||M||T |} ! Designation |} 89 S1 xxx (even) ||89 N1 xxx (even) ||89 N2 xxx (even) ||82 N2 xxx (odd) ||89 N1 xxx (odd) ||89 S1 xxx (odd) |} ! Equipment |} CP,SIV||VVVF||VVVF||VVVF||VVVF||CP,SIV |}
Reassignment of (CA) rolling stock to Line 4
The introduction of new MP 14 trains on Line 14, prompted by the Grand Paris Express expansions, will lead to the replacement of the current fleet. Consequently, the existing 21 MP 89 CA and 11 MP 05 trains are being redeployed to the newly automated Line 4, supplemented by 20 MP 14 units to accommodate peak service demands. MP 89 CA trains commenced operations on Line 4 in September 2022, operating alongside MP 05 and MP 14 models.
Reassignment of (CC) rolling stock to Line 6
The 52 MP 89 CC trains presently assigned to Line 4 are undergoing a reduction from six-car sets to five-car formations before their transfer to Line 6, where they will replace the older MP 73 trains. Since Line 6 currently runs with 47 MP 73 trains, Île-de-France Mobilités is able to initiate refurbishment on five MP 89 CC units as they become available from service withdrawal.
The transfer process involves several adaptations:
- Incorporation of contract-specific equipment packages
- Installation of RATP operational systems such as the Octys autopilot and onboard video surveillance
- Renewal of seat coverings
- Upgrades to electronic and electrical components
- Ceiling refurbishment
- Application of IDFM branding and passenger information signage
- Ongoing functional testing (currently underway on four trainsets)
At this stage, only technical adjustments are completed; aesthetic enhancements will be addressed subsequently. By shortening trainsets to five cars, RATP can refurbish two to three trains concurrently without impacting Line 6 operations or reserve availability.
The MP 89 CC trains began service on Line 6 in January 2023.