photo: Alstom / Public domain/MF19
Paris is in the headlines for many reasons this week, but underground, the story is one of progress. Alstom’s brand-new MF19 metro has entered service on Paris Line 10, being the first of a full fleet renewal across eight metro lines.
Alstom is celebrating the commissioning of the very first MF19 metro on Line 10 of the Paris Metro, in partnership with Île-de-France Mobilités and RATP, making it a major step forward for mobility in the Île-de-France region. Financed entirely by Île-de-France Mobilités and operated by RATP, the MF19 metro will replace trains on eight lines (10, 7bis, 3bis, 13, 12, 8, 3, and 7). Line 10 is the first to receive this new generation.
"Today we are witnessing a historic moment for public transport in Île-de-France: MF19 will revolutionise the daily lives of passengers," said Frédéric Wiscart, President, Alstom France.
A true concentration of technology, MF19 enhances journeys with:
- Cooled ventilation, ergonomic seating, USB ports, and full LED lighting.
- "Boa" inter-car gangways and modular "comfort" and "capacity" versions.
- Reserved spaces for passengers with reduced mobility and widened doors.
- Real-time information screens and video protection for safety.
Tailored to Every Line
MF19 was conceived for maximum adaptability, available in 4- or 5-car configurations between 61 and 77.5 metres long, with either automatic or driver-operated control. Layouts can be reconfigured over time—for example, replacing a cab with an automatic module or switching between short and long versions.
To integrate MF19 into service, Alstom’s on-board speed control system meeting RATP Octys standards has been deployed on Line 10. Based on CBTC technology, it ensures precise localisation and speed management with the highest safety standards. RATP plans to extend this system to Lines 7bis and 3bis, adding to Lines 5, 6, 9, and 11 already equipped.
A Nationwide Industrial Effort
Around 2,300 Alstom employees, including 700 engineers, contribute to the MF19 program across eight French sites:
- Valenciennes-Petite Forêt / Crespin – design, assembly, testing & approval
- Le Creusot / Crespin – bogies
- Ornans – traction motors
- Tarbes – traction systems
- Toulouse – electrical harnesses
- Villeurbanne – onboard electronics
- Aix-en-Provence – IT security
Production continues on schedule, supported by a new Valenciennes assembly line to meet demand. Alstom teams are working with RATP to roll out MF19 progressively across all designated lines. Alstom’s sites in Aix-en-Provence, Saint-Ouen, and Villeurbanne contribute to the on-board Octys programme, reinforcing Alstom’s leadership in safe, connected metro technologies.
Source: Alstom's Press Release