MRV (Paris Métro)
| Industry | Rail transport |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Petite-Forêt, near Valenciennes , France |
| Products | Metropolis trains (including MRV for Paris Métro Line 18) |
MRV, an abbreviation for Matériel Roulant Voyageurs (Passenger Rolling Stock), designates the upcoming trains intended for the new Line 18 of the Paris Métro network.
Background
At the beginning of 2019, the Société du Grand Paris launched a procurement process for automated trainsets and associated systems specifically for Line 18. By October 2021, Alstom secured a contract valued at €400 million to deliver 37 three-car Metropolis trains, including automation and centralized control technology. The initial batch consists of 15 trainsets, worth €230 million, with deliveries commencing in 2024 and commercial operations planned to start with the opening of Line 18 between Massy - Palaiseau and CEA Saint-Aubin in 2026.
The design and manufacturing activities are based at Alstom’s facility in Petite-Forêt, near Valenciennes.
Description
MRV trains feature full automation and consist of three cars connected by open gangways, extending to a total length of . Each train is designed to transport 498 passengers, of whom 54 can be seated. The width measures , which is narrower compared to MR3V and MR6V models but similar to older Paris Métro lines. They operate on a 1500V third rail and can achieve a maximum commercial speed of .
These trains are unique within France due to their distinct loading gauge, power supply system, and automation features, being exclusively assigned to Line 18. The decision to utilize third-rail electrification eliminates the need for overhead catenary systems on elevated sections, a solution driven by local resistance to overhead wires. This specialized configuration leads to higher production costs per unit and restricts compatibility with other metro lines, introducing certain technological challenges.
The trainsets have been engineered with the option to extend from three to four cars in response to increased passenger volumes.
Exterior
The first exterior concepts were revealed in November 2021. Subsequently, Île-de-France Mobilités organized an online public consultation in December 2021 to select the front-end design from three proposals. After a two-week voting period, the third option, named “Pure fluidity,” was selected as the preferred design.