MR3V/MR6V
| Industry | Rail transport manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Valenciennes , France |
| Products | MR3V and MR6V trainsets (Alstom Metropolis series) |
| Parent | Alstom |
MR3V/6V (Matériel Roulant 3 Voitures / 6 Voitures) designates the upcoming train models intended for deployment on the new Paris Metro lines 15, 16, and 17. These units are produced by Alstom at their Valenciennes manufacturing site and form part of the Alstom Metropolis series.
The MR3V trains comprise three-car sets with a passenger capacity of around 500, whereas the MR6V trains consist of six-car formations able to carry up to 1,000 passengers. MR3V vehicles will serve lines 16 and 17, operated by Keolis, with maintenance facilities based in Aulnay. Conversely, MR6V trains are allocated to line 15, which is run by ORA—a partnership between RATP Dev, Alstom, and ComfortDelGro—with their depot located in Champigny-Bondy.
Production commenced in 2020 and is ongoing, with prototype units currently undergoing both static and dynamic trials at Alstom’s Valenciennes plant as well as at the line 15 workshop. The train lengths measure 54 meters for the MR3V and 108 meters for the MR6V variants. Each carriage features three doors per side and can reach speeds up to 110 km/h. Their propulsion system employs Alstom’s OptoniX IGBT VVVF technology powered by a 1,500 V DC overhead pantograph.
The braking mechanisms integrate electrodynamic, regenerative, disc, and eddy current systems. The MR3V formation follows a Bo'Bo'+2'2'+Bo'Bo' wheel arrangement, with an extended version applied to the MR6V sets. Coupling between cars uses Scharfenberg-type couplers.
These trainsets play a crucial role in the Grand Paris Express initiative, which aims to improve transit connectivity throughout the Île-de-France area by introducing advanced, high-capacity metro services starting in late 2026.
Background
In May 2018, Société du Grand Paris awarded Alstom the contract to supply rolling stock for lines 15, 16, and 17 of the Grand Paris Express. This agreement covers up to 948 cars: comprising 133 six-car trains for line 15 and 50 three-car trains designated for lines 16 and 17—all derived from Alstom’s Metropolis platform.
Valued at €1.3 billion, the contract was finalized on September 20, 2018, shortly followed by the unveiling of initial design concepts. The first three-car units underwent dynamic testing at Alstom’s Valenciennes rail test centre in November 2021. Additional trials took place in 2022 on a specialized track within Alstom’s northern France facility.
On June 22, 2023, the inaugural MR6V train arrived at line 15’s Champigny depot; a second unit followed on July 3. These trains will remain in static testing until November 2023 before commencing dynamic evaluations on the fully completed eastern segment of line 15.
Description
The MR3V and MR6V models feature full automation alongside open gangway designs. Offered in two configurations—six-car sets (MR6V) and three-car sets (MR3V)—they utilize a broader track gauge than that of the conventional Paris Metro system. Capacity estimates are approximately 1,000 passengers for six-car formations and around 500 for three-car sets, with seating accounting for roughly one-fifth of total capacity. Electrical power is delivered through an overhead catenary system operating at .
Exterior
In December 2018, three distinct exterior design options were presented, followed by a public vote that attracted more than 13,000 participants. The design that secured the highest approval—garnering 40% of the votes—showcases "flowing contours" on the front of the train.
Interior
The trains are equipped with the latest IDFM seating arrangements.
MR6V
Driverless trains on lines and will operate using a 6-car MR6V configuration, consisting of four motorized cars and two trailers (4M2T).
By 1 March 2022, two complete six-car sets had been manufactured at the Valenciennes facility.
<- Pont de Sèvres /Noisy-Champs ->
| ||||||
| Car No. | 1 > | 2 | 3 < | 4 > | 5 | 6 << |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | M | T | M | M | T | M |
MR3V
Lines , , and will deploy driverless trainsets in a 3-car MR3V format, composed of two motorized cars and one trailer (2M1T).
As of 5 May 2022, three fully assembled trainsets were pending trials at the Alstom production site.
<- Saint-Denis /Clichy–Montfermeil ->
| |||
| Car No. | 1 <> | 2 | 3 <> |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | M | T | M |
<- Saint-Denis /Le Bourget Aéroport ->
| |||
| Car No. | 1 <> | 2 | 3 <> |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | M | T | M |
- Each motorized car (cars 1 and 3) is fitted with two pantographs—one designated for emergency use and one for regular service.
- Legend: "M" indicates a motorized car, while "T" denotes a trailer car.