Paris Metro takes another step towards automation
French public transport company RATP is preparing one of the oldest routes of Paris Metro for introducing the Automatic Train Operation (ATO). Line 4 has been equipped with a new operation control centre. It was delivered by Siemens Mobility in a partnership with the Atos – Colas Rail consortium.
“This is an essential step for testing automatic train traffic,” noted Edgar Sée, Automation project Director at RATP Group. The transformation of Line 4 of the Paris Metro network started in the second quarter of 2018 by equipping the stations with platform screen doors. As of today, 17 of 27 stations have already had these installations to provide more safety for the passengers. According to the schedule, the first automated trains will run on the route this year. Meanwhile, the entire project will be completed in 2022.
Despite lockdown
The new operation control centre was delivered by Siemens Mobility over the weekend after several months of preparatory works. To this end, the teams of the German company and its partners worked day and night. “This is a fantastic achievement, which highlights our capability to deliver on major projects for our customers, even in times of crisis. The Covid-19 situation made working conditions particularly difficult. Despite the lockdown, we were able to maintain the continuity of our operations, standing by our customer in every possible way. We adapted working areas to implement all required sanitary measures to protect the health and safety of our employees,” stated Eric Cazeaux, President of Siemens Mobility France.
Line 4
Line 4 is one of the oldest routes of the Paris Metro system. The initial line was launched in 1908 while the latest extension was opened in 2013. At the moment, Line 4 has a length of more than 12 kilometres and consists of 27 stations. It is powered with direct current at 750 volts. Current is taken from the guide bars on either side of the track. The route is served by the rubber-tyred trains of type MP89. This series of rolling stock was developed by Alstom in the 1990s.
Read also:
