MF 19
MF 19
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MF 19
First MF 19 on the station
In service
  • 2025 (Line 10)
  • Future
  • 2026 (Line 7bis)
  • 2027 (Line 3bis)
  • 2027 (Line 13)
  • 2028 (Line 12)
  • 2029 (Line 8)
  • 2031 (Line 3)
  • 2033 (Line 7)
ManufacturerAlstom
Family nameMetropolis
ReplacedMF 67, MF 77, MF 88
Constructed2022-Present
Number under constructionUp to 410 trains
Number built4 (1 prototype)
Number in service1
Formation
  • 4-car sets (Lines 3bis and 7bis)
  • 5-car sets (Lines 3, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13)
OperatorsRATP Group
Lines servedParis Métro Paris Métro Line 3 Paris Métro Line 3bis Paris Métro Line 7 Paris Métro Line 7bis Paris Métro Line 8 Paris Métro Line 10 Paris Métro Line 12 Paris Métro Line 13
Specifications
Train length
  • 61 metres (200 ft)
  • 76 metres (249 ft)
  • 77.5 metres (254 ft)
Doors3 per side
Traction systemAlstom OptoniX IGBT-VVVF
Traction motors3-phase AC induction motor
Electric system(s)Third rail, 750 V DC
Current collectionContact shoe
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

The MF 19 (Métro Fer appel d'offres 2019; 2019 procurement rail metro) is a class of rolling stock on the Paris Métro. It was ordered to replace existing trains on Lines 3, 3bis, 7, 7bis, 8, 10, 12 and 13, starting in 2025. It is being built by Alstom. Lines 3bis and 7bis will use 4-car trains, an upgrade from the current 3-car sets. Lines 3, 7, 8, 10, 12 and 13 will use 5-car sets. Up to 410 trains (2036 cars) are to be ordered, which by the mid 2030’s will be the most common train type in the system, running on nearly half of the lines of the Métro.

History

[edit]

Background

[edit]

In the years 2008 to 2016, RATP replaced MF 67 trains with MF 01 on Lines 2, 5, and 9, thus decreasing the average age of Parisian rolling stock. However, many lines still have trains that are reaching the end of their lifespan.[1] Since the MF 67 trains, which have an average age of 43 to 53 years are getting older, RATP planned to replace those trains as well as the MF 77 trains, which are around 40 years old. Additionally, the decision was made to replace the MF 88 trains due to their lack of reliability.[2]

The call for tenders was launched in May 2017, and potential candidates that responded to the call included the Italian-Japanese Ansaldo-Hitachi, the Spanish Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, and the French-Canadian consortium Alstom-Bombardier. Originally, the contract was supposed to replace at least 338 trains.[3]

The first trains were expected to be put into service in 2024. Île-de-France Mobilités asked RATP, Paris' transportation authority, to accelerate the replacement of trains on lines 3bis, 7bis, and 10. The initial schedule, presented in April 2019, included the following timeline: line 10 in 2024, lines 3bis and 7bis between 2024 and 2026, line 13 in 2027, and between 2026 and 2030 on lines 3, 7, 8, and 12.[3]

Contract award and production

[edit]
The MF 19 on tests at La Motte-Picquet–Grenelle on Paris Métro Line 10.

On November 29, 2019, Île-de-France Mobilités announced that the contract was awarded to the French-Canadian consortium Alstom-Bombardier for a maximum order of 410 MF 19 trains, at a cost of 2.9 billion euros. The firm order consists of 44 trains for lines 3bis, 7bis, and 10.[4][5]

The contract was signed at the end of 2019. The deployment of the new trains was initially planned to start from 2024 and finish by 2035.[6]

Since March 2020, Bombardier Transport employees have been working on the design of the MF 19 trains remotely. In March 2022, the production of MF 19 metro trains began. In November 2022, during a visit to the Alstom factories, a front end frame of a train was presented, showing the choice of a front end design based on the second option among the three choices presented during the bidding process in 2019.[7]

On December 7, 2022, Île-de-France Mobilités approved the adaptation works for stations and infrastructure on lines 13 and 8 to accommodate the new trains. The expected start of service is estimated to be in 2027 for line 13 and 2030 for line 8. For line 13, some trains will later be operated in automatic mode as part of the planned full automation by 2035.[8]

In March 2023, Île-de-France Mobilités announced a modified delivery schedule for the trains. It is expected to start in 2024 with the replacement of MF 67 trains on line 10, followed by the replacement of MF 88 trains in 2025, followed by MF 67 trains on line 3bis in the following year, MF 77 trains on line 13 in 2027, MF 67 trains on line 12 in 2028, MF 77 trains on line 8 in 2029, MF 67 trains on line 3 in 2030, and finally MF 77 trains on line 7 in 2032.[9]

However, due to many delays, it was announced in December 2023 that the MF 19 will enter in service on line 10 in end-2025, followed by the replacement of MF 88 trains in 2026, followed by MF 67 trains on line 3bis in 2027, MF 77 trains on line 13 in the same year, MF 67 trains on line 12 in 2028, MF 77 trains on line 8 in 2029, MF 67 trains on line 3 in 2031, and finally MF 77 trains on line 7 in 2033. [10]

Starting March 2025, the first MF 19 train is undergoing testing on line 10.[11]

On September 26, 2025, The first MF19 train was delivered. The first MF19 entered service on 16 October, 2025 on Line 10.

Characteristics

[edit]

The trains will exist in two versions, one with a driver's cab (designated CC) and another without a cab (designated CA). They will be equipped with the OCTYS [fr] communications-based train control system for equipped lines, and with the PA135 driver-attended automatic train control system, which is already in place in several Paris metro lines.

The interior will be arranged in two types. On lines 3, 3bis, 7bis, 10, and 12, the trains will have more seating arranged in a “confort” scheme. On lines 7, 8, and 13, they will have more standing room in a “capacity” scheme, giving the higher demand on those lines.

As part of the possible automation of line 13, for which studies were commissioned in April 2019, an automatic version (CA) of the MF 19 trains may be ordered. The rolling stock can also be converted as the trains are designed to transition from manual to automatic operation to accompany the automation of the Paris Metro network.[5] The automation was approved on December 7, 2022, by the board of directors of Île-de-France Mobilités. The trains are expected to initially operate in manual mode before being converted to automatic mode for full automation of the line by 2035.[4][8]

The manufacturer Bombardier announced a 20% reduction in energy consumption compared to the MF 77 trains through the full use of regenerative braking and full LED lighting.[5]

The MF 19 is expected to be available in three versions:[4]

  • A short version 62 metres (203 feet 5 inches) in length with four cars for lines 3bis and 7bis.
  • A medium version 76 metres (249 feet 4 inches) in length with five cars for lines 3, 10, and 12.
  • A long version 77.4 metres (253 feet 11 inches) in length with five cars for lines 7, 8, and 13.

This long version is planned for lines currently equipped with MF 77 trains, which required relocating operational equipment at the front of the stations (such as clocks or rearview screens) to niches at the beginning of the tunnel, creating a noticeable difference in the appearance of the trains by more longer gangway.

Formations

[edit]

In date of 04 October 2025:

  • 4 trainsets were in test for L10 and were formed as shown below, with three motored ("M") cars and two non-powered trailer ("T") cars or 3M2T.
  • 5 cars trainsets are in "Formation III" (3M2T)
  • 4 cars trainsets are in "Formation V" (2M2T)

5 cars short trainset

[edit]
 
<- Pont de Levallois
Galliéni ->
 
 
<- Pont de St Cloud
Gare d'Austerlitz ->
 
 
<- Mairie d'Issy
Mairire d'Aubervilliers ->
 
Car n° 1 2 3 4 5
Designation S N N N S
Numbering 19 S1 0xx 19 N1 0xx 19 N3 0xx 19 N2 0xx 19 S2 0xx
equipement VVVF VVVF VVVF
  • VVVF: Inverters
  • CP: Air compressor
  • SIV: Static inverter

5 cars long trainset

[edit]
 
<- La Courneuve
Ivry/Villejuif ->
 
 
<- Balard
Créteil ->
 
 
<- Châtillon
Asnières-Gennevilliers/Saint-Denis ->
 
Car n° 1 2 3 4 5
Designation S N N N S
Numbering 19 S1 0xx 19 N1 0xx 19 N3 0xx 19 N2 0xx 19 S2 0xx
equipement VVVF VVVF VVVF
  • VVVF: Inverters
  • CP: Air compressor
  • SIV: Static inverter

4 cars trainset

[edit]
 
<- Gambetta
Pte de Lilas ->
 
 
<- Pré St Gervais
Louis BLanc ->
 
Car n° 1 2 3 4
Designation S N N S
Numbering 19 S1 0xx 19 N1 0xx 19 N2 0xx 19 S2 0xx
equipement VVVF VVVF
  • VVVF: Inverters
  • CP: Air compressor
  • SIV: Static inverter

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

MF 19

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The MF 19 is a class of modular, articulated metro trains designed and manufactured by Alstom for the Paris Métro network, representing a next-generation rolling stock aimed at improving passenger comfort, accessibility, and operational efficiency across multiple lines.[1][2] Introduced to modernize aging infrastructure, the MF 19 entered passenger service on October 16, 2025, initially on Line 10, with plans for full deployment on Lines 3, 3bis, 7, 7bis, 8, 10, 12, and 13 by 2033.[3][1] A total of 410 trains are scheduled for delivery by 2035, financed by Île-de-France Mobilités and operated by RATP, involving production at eight French Alstom sites and employing around 2,300 workers.[2][4] The project includes an additional order for 103 trainsets announced in March 2024, valued at over €800 million.[4] The MF 19 features a flexible "boa" design with open interiors to facilitate passenger flow and natural light, available in configurations of four or five cars measuring 61 to 77.5 meters in length, with capacities tailored to specific lines—such as 146 seats for Lines 3, 3bis, 10, and 12, and 122 seats for Lines 7, 7bis, 8, and 13.[2][1][5] Key amenities include reversible air conditioning, USB charging ports, LED lighting, real-time information displays, video surveillance, and widened doors for enhanced accessibility, while supporting both manual and automatic driving modes via the CBTC-based Octys system.[1] The design earned the Janus label for industrial design excellence in 2024, following trials at the Bobigny workshops.[2]

History

Background and development

The Paris Métro's steel-wheel fleet faced significant challenges due to aging rolling stock in the 2010s, with the MF 67 trains on lines 3, 3bis, and 12 having entered service between 1967 and 1978, rendering them 43 to 53 years old by the late 2010s and necessitating replacement to address rising maintenance costs and reliability issues.[6] The MF 77 trains on lines 8 and 13, introduced in 1978, were approximately 40 years old, contributing to similar operational strains across the network.[7] Additionally, the MF 88 trains on line 7bis, deployed since the early 1990s, had demonstrated ongoing reliability problems due to high wear-and-tear and design flaws leading to expensive maintenance, further highlighting the urgency for modernization.[8] This situation built on the precedent set by the earlier replacement of MF 67 trains with the more advanced MF 01 series on lines 2, 5, and 9, which occurred progressively from 2008 to 2016 and improved energy efficiency and passenger comfort on those routes.[9] In response to these fleet obsolescence issues, RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités launched a tender process in May 2017 aimed at procuring new rolling stock to modernize eight key lines: 3, 3bis, 7, 7bis, 8, 10, 12, and 13.[10] The initiative's primary goals were to enhance overall network reliability, achieve greater energy efficiency through advanced technologies like regenerative braking, and increase passenger capacity to meet growing demand in the Île-de-France region.[11] These objectives aligned with broader efforts to sustain the Paris Métro's role as a vital urban transport system while reducing environmental impact and operational expenses. The tender culminated in a contract award in 2019.[11]

Procurement and production

The procurement process for the MF 19 metro trains culminated in the award of a framework contract on November 29, 2019, to the Alstom-Bombardier consortium by Île-de-France Mobilités and RATP.[11] This agreement provided for the design and manufacture of up to 410 trains, valued at approximately €3 billion, to renew the rolling stock on several Paris Metro lines.[12] The consortium split responsibilities evenly, with each partner handling about half of the initial workload at their respective facilities in Valenciennes and Crespin, France.[11] The firm order under this framework totaled 44 trains, worth over €530 million, specifically targeted for deployment on Lines 3bis, 7bis, and 10.[11] These included 14 four-car sets (60.86 m long) for the shorter Lines 3bis and 7bis, and 30 five-car sets (76 m long) for Line 10, reflecting the MF 19's modular design to accommodate varying platform lengths.[11] In March 2024, an additional order for 103 trainsets was placed, valued at over €800 million, bringing the total firm orders to 147 trains.[4] Following Alstom's acquisition of Bombardier Transportation in January 2021, the project transitioned fully under Alstom's management. Production of the MF 19 began in March 2022 at Alstom's sites in the Hauts-de-France region, building on the established Metropolis platform that has powered metro fleets in cities such as Barcelona, Riyadh, and Thessaloniki.[13] This platform enables scalable, high-capacity configurations with proven reliability for urban rail operations.[13]

Design

Technical specifications

The MF 19 metro trainset operates on a 750 V DC power supply delivered through a third rail, consistent with the standard electrification system of the Paris Métro network.[14] It features modular formation types tailored to platform constraints, including 4-car sets measuring 61 m in length for shorter infrastructure and 5-car sets at 76 m for medium-length platforms or 77.5 m for longer ones.[1][15] The train incorporates advanced control systems, including the OCTYS solution based on CBTC technology for communication-based train control, enabling precise positioning and operation, alongside support for automatic train control in driverless configurations.[1][16] Energy efficiency is enhanced by approximately 25% compared to predecessor models, achieved through regenerative braking that recovers kinetic energy during deceleration and full LED lighting throughout the cars.[17] Two primary versions are produced: the CC variant equipped with a driving cab for manual operation and the CA variant designed as cabless units to facilitate fully automated running.[1][2] As part of Alstom's Metropolis family, the MF 19 utilizes steel-wheel technology optimized for urban metro environments, emphasizing reliability, modularity, and integration with existing infrastructure.[13]

Passenger features and automation

The MF 19 metro train features three double doors per side per car, enabling efficient passenger boarding and alighting even during peak hours.[18] These widened doors, combined with the open-plan "boa" design that allows seamless movement throughout the train without barriers between cars, facilitate quicker flow and reduce congestion at entry points.[1] The interior layout emphasizes an open saloon configuration with longitudinal bench seating, providing flexibility for standing passengers and accommodating items such as bicycles, strollers, and luggage.[2] Accessibility is a core aspect of the MF 19's design, offering full wheelchair access through dedicated reserved spaces in each car, along with priority seating areas featuring liftable seats that can be folded to create additional room for mobility aids.[1] Tactile paving on the floors guides visually impaired passengers toward these spaces and doors, while audible announcements and dynamic visual displays provide real-time information on stations, connections, and disruptions.[3] Ergonomic seating, air conditioning with cooled ventilation, and widespread CCTV surveillance further enhance comfort and security for all users.[1] The MF 19 is engineered for advanced automation, supporting Grade of Automation 4 (GOA4) driverless operation on suitable lines through its modular design, which includes removable driver's cabs on end cars and cabless intermediate units (CA) to enable full reversibility and unmanned running.[19] This readiness allows for future upgrades without major modifications, promoting higher frequency and reliability.[1] In terms of capacity, the MF 19 provides up to 20% more passenger space than predecessors such as the MF 67 and MF 88, with configurations offering 122 to 146 seats per five-car train depending on whether prioritized for comfort (more fixed seats) or capacity (fewer seats, more standing room), accommodating up to 590 passengers overall at standard density.[5] Energy-saving features, including 100% LED lighting, contribute to a more sustainable interior environment.[1]

Deployment

Lines served and formations

The MF 19 metro trains are designated to operate on eight lines of the Paris Métro network: lines 3, 3bis, 7, 7bis, 8, 10, 12, and 13.[1][12] These assignments target the replacement of aging rolling stock, specifically the MF 67 trains currently serving lines 3, 3bis, 10, and 12; the MF 77 trains on lines 8 and 13; and the MF 88 trains on line 7bis. This renewal effort, managed by the RATP Group under financing from Île-de-France Mobilités, aims to standardize operations across these routes, potentially unifying half of the network's steel-wheeled fleet for improved efficiency and passenger experience.[1][2] Train formations for the MF 19 are adapted to the infrastructure of each line, with modular designs allowing for variations in length and capacity. For the short branches of lines 3bis and 7bis, 4-car formations measuring 61 m are planned to accommodate platform constraints while increasing capacity over existing stock.[12] Line 10 will use 5-car medium formations of 76 m to fit its specific station layouts.[12] The primary lines—3, 7, 8, 12, and 13—will employ longer 5-car formations at 77.5 m, optimizing for higher passenger volumes on these busier routes.[1][12] The overall fleet objective is up to 410 trains to fully equip these eight lines, building on an initial order of 44 units.[12][2] This scale supports the RATP's goal of modernizing the network while maintaining compatibility with existing depots and signaling systems.[2]

Rollout and testing

The MF19 underwent static and dynamic testing at Alstom's facilities in Valenciennes-Petite Forêt and Crespin prior to deployment, ensuring compliance with safety and performance standards.[1] Dynamic testing on Line 10 commenced in early 2025 to validate integration with the existing infrastructure, including the on-board speed control system based on CBTC technology.[20] The first MF19 train entered revenue service on October 16, 2025, on Line 10, replacing an aging MF67 unit and marking the initial phase of the fleet renewal program.[1] This single-train introduction allowed for real-world monitoring of operational reliability before wider rollout.[3] The phased rollout of the MF19 is scheduled across eight lines to replace older stock, including MF67, MF77, and MF88 series, with the following timeline:
  • Line 10 (replacing MF67) in 2025[3]
  • Line 7bis (replacing MF88) in 2026[3]
  • Lines 3bis (replacing MF67) and 13 (replacing MF77) in 2027[3]
  • Line 12 (replacing MF67) in 2028[3]
  • Line 8 (replacing MF77) in 2029[3]
  • Line 3 (replacing MF67) in 2031[3]
  • Line 7 (replacing MF77) in 2033[3]
Future plans include full automation of Line 13 by 2035, leveraging the MF19's compatibility with advanced signaling systems.[21] Production continues at Alstom's sites to achieve the target of 410 trains, supporting the comprehensive modernization of the Paris Metro network.[12]
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