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MI 09
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MI 09
MI 09 trainset on the Nanterre viaduct
In service2011–present
ManufacturerAlstom and Bombardier
Family nameX'Trapolis
ReplacedMS 61
Constructed2010–2017
Entered service5 December 2011
Number in service140 trainsets (700 cars)
Formation5 cars per trainset
OperatorsRATP, SNCF
Depots
  • Achères
  • Rueil-Malmaison
  • Sucy-en-Brie
  • Torcy
Lines servedRER RER A
Specifications
Car body constructionStainless steel
Car length22 m (72 ft 2 in)
Width2.9 m (9 ft 6 in)
Height4.32 m (14 ft 2 in)
Doors2 × 3 per car
Maximum speed120 km/h (75 mph)
Weight288,000 kg (634,931 lb)
Traction systemAlstom OniX CADIX IGBT–VVVF (liquid cooled)
Traction motors12 × 325 kW (436 hp) 4 ECA 2846 3-phase AC induction motor (550 V natural ventilation)
Power output3,900 kW (5,200 hp)
Acceleration1.1 m/s2 (3.6 ft/s2)
Deceleration
  • 1.15 m/s2 (3.8 ft/s2) (service)
  • 1.25 m/s2 (4.1 ft/s2) (emergency)
HVACRefrigerated HVAC and in-train heater
Electric system(s)
Current collectionPantograph (type AX 25)
UIC classification2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′
Braking system(s)Disc, dynamic and regenerative Eddy current brake
Safety system(s)SACEM
Coupling systemScharfenberg type
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

The MI 09 (French: Matériel d'Interconnexion de 2009, lit. 'interconnection rolling stock of 2009') is a double-deck, dual-voltage electric multiple unit trainset operated on line A of the Réseau Express Régional (RER), a hybrid suburban commuter and rapid transit system serving Paris and its surrounding Île-de-France region.

A total of 140 five-car trainsets were built by a consortium of Alstom and Bombardier. Based on the earlier MI 2N series and part of Alstom's X'Trapolis Duplex platform, the MI 09 units were assembled at Alstom's factory in Valenciennes factory and Bombardier's facility in Crespin between 2010 and 2017. The first train entered service on 5 December 2011.

The MI 09 fleet replaced the older MS 61 rolling stock, which was retired in April 2016, and allowed the redeployment of MI 84 units to the RER B by early 2017.

History

[edit]
MI 09 train boarding passengers at La Défense station

The RER A line is the busiest in the RER network and among the busiest rail lines in the world, carrying over 1.2 million passengers per day.[1][2] To alleviate overcrowding, 43 MI 2N double-deck trainsets were introduced in 1998, built by a consortium of Alstom and Bombardier. These trains increased capacity per train to approximately 2,600 passengers, compared to 1,887 for the single-deck MS 61 units that had been used on the RER A since it opened.

The MI 2N series double-deck trains proved so successful that in April 2009, Île-de-France Mobilités (then known as the Transport Syndicate of the Ile de France) and the RATP Group ordered 60 MI 09 trainsets, an improved version of the MI 2N that would be built by the same Alstom-Bombardier consortium. The initial contract was worth €917 million with RATP contributing €617 million and STIF providing the remaining €300 million.[3][4]

For each five-car trainset, Alstom manufactured the two cab-equipped end cars at its Valenciennes Petite-Forêt factory, while Bombardier manufactured the three intermediate cars at its Crespin plant. In addition, six other Alstom factories supplied parts to the program: the Ornans factory produced the traction motors, the Le Creusot factory supplied the bogies, the Tarbes factory produced traction chain equipment, the Petit Quevilly factory manufactured the main transformer, and both the Saint-Ouen and Villeurbanne factory were involved in supplying the onboard passenger information and electronic control systems.[3] Barat Group performed various elements of the MI 09's assembly, such as the installation of secondary doors, lightings and miscellaneous electronics, a fireproof and soundproof cabin partitions, and other interior fittings.[3]

The first units were unveiled on 8 February 2011, and testing began with three trainsets.[5] The first entered passenger service in December 2011.[6]

A second order for 70 additional trainsets was placed in June 2012, valued at €1 billion,[7] followed by a third order in February 2015 for 10 more sets, worth €150 million.[8] All 140 units were delivered by 2017 at a total cost of €2.067 billion.

The introduction of the MI 09 allowed for the RER's fleet of single-deck MS 61 trains, which dated back to the RER network's opening, to be retired on 16 April 2016. The delivery of the MI 09 also allowed RATP to shift the single-deck MI 84 trains to the RER B by 24 February 2017.[3]

Design

[edit]
MI 09 train stopped at Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station, showing the wide entry doors, level boarding and stairs to upper and lower decks

Each MI 09 trainset comprises five cars with a total length of 112 metres (367 ft 5 in) and a width of 2.9 metres (9 ft 6 in) 2.9 m (9 ft 6 in). Each train can accommodate approximately 1,300 passengers, both seated and standing. Two trainsets can operate in tandem to form a ten-car train for a maximum capacity of approximately 2.600[3] To support rapid boarding and alighting, each car has three wide, platform-level doors per side.

Accessibility features include 34 designated seats for passengers with reduced mobility and two spaces for wheelchairs. Additional support bars are installed near priority seating.

The train's maximum design speed is 120 km/h (75 mph).[3]

Energy efficiency features include regenerative braking, a high-performance traction chain, and a refrigerated ventilation system that consumes less energy than a traditional air-conditioning system.[3] A train-to-ground Wi-Fi data link allows real-time monitoring of the train's performance for predictive maintenance.

Electric (regenerative and electrodynamic) braking systems reduce the emission of particulate pollutants from mechanical disc brakes, a significant concern in underground RER stations.[9]

The train’s interior was developed in collaboration with MBD Design.[3] Some of the style choices include boarding areas that provide a full view of both the upper and lower decks, an internal lighting system that uses porthole-shaped fixtures which designers say provide a more pleasant light, and seat fabric with a floral and plant theme.

Each car also features an audio and visual information system, which provides information on the next stop through video monitor graphics and voice announcements. For security and safety purposes, a CCTV surveillance system has been integrated that covers all interior areas.

Fleet

[edit]

The MI 09 fleet consists of 140 trainsets. All are in service on RER Line A and assigned to the RATP depots at Achères, Rueil-Malmaison, Sucy-en-Brie, and Torcy.

Each trainset follows a 3M2T formation (three powered cars and two non-powered trailers):

RER A
← Cergy-le-Haut/Poissy/Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Boissy-Saint-Léger/Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy →
 
Car No. 1 > 2 3 4 < 5
Type Trailer Motor Motor Motor Trailer
Numbering ZRBx 1601–1879 (odd numbers) ZBx 2601–2879 (odd numbers) ZB 3601–3740 (trainset number) ZAB 2602–2820 (even numbers) ZRBx 1602–1820 (even numbers)

Cars 1 and 5 are equipped with pantographs, denoted with < and > in the chart above denoting which is in use in each direction.

[edit]
  • MI 09 interior, upper deck
    MI 09 interior, upper deck
  • MI 09 interior, lower deck
    MI 09 interior, lower deck
  • MI 09 interior, boarding area (mid-deck) with space for wheelchairs and seats for passengers who can not use stairs
    MI 09 interior, boarding area (mid-deck) with space for wheelchairs and seats for passengers who can not use stairs
  • Passenger information screen
    Passenger information screen
  • Operators compartment
    Operators compartment

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

MI 09

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The MI 09 is a double-deck, dual-voltage () trainset designed for high-capacity commuter service on Line A of the Paris (RER), one of Europe's busiest lines. Introduced in December 2011, it features five-car configurations with a total of 140 trainsets delivered by 2017 to enhance passenger throughput, energy efficiency, and operational reliability on the hybrid suburban network spanning and its suburbs. Developed by a of and , the MI 09 draws from the earlier MI 2N series but incorporates advancements such as improved traction systems for reduced energy consumption and minimized brake dust emissions, aligning with environmental standards for urban rail operations. Manufactured at Alstom's Valenciennes Petite-Forêt site and Bombardier's Crespin facility in , the trainsets prioritize comfort with wider interiors, enhanced , and automated operation (ATO) capabilities introduced in 2017 to optimize and on the line's central core. By 2015, the 100th unit had been delivered, with the delivered trains accumulating over 24 million kilometers in service, underscoring its role in handling the line's daily ridership exceeding 1.2 million s. As part of Alstom's Duplex platform, the MI 09 supports dual-voltage operation (1.5 kV DC and 25 kV 50 Hz AC) to navigate the RER's mixed , enabling seamless travel from central stations like Auber and Châtelet-Les Halles to outer termini such as and –Chessy. Its design emphasizes modularity for maintenance and upgrades, contributing to the line's modernization efforts amid growing ridership pressures in the Île-de-France region.

Development

Background

The line, serving as a vital hybrid suburban commuter rail network connecting with the broader region, faced severe overcrowding in the years leading up to 2009, transporting over 1.2 million passengers daily on its aging fleet. This surge in ridership, which increased by approximately 20% over the prior decade, exacerbated capacity limitations imposed by the single-deck MS 61 trains introduced in the late 1960s, which struggled to accommodate peak-hour demands and contributed to frequent delays and discomfort for commuters. In response to these operational challenges, the RATP and initiated planning phases in the mid-2000s to modernize the fleet, emphasizing the adoption of higher-capacity double-deck trains to enhance reliability, passenger flow, and overall system efficiency. These efforts addressed the line's role as Europe's busiest corridor, where constraints and growing urban mobility needs demanded a shift toward more robust solutions. This foundational assessment paved the way for subsequent decisions aimed at deploying the MI 09 trainsets.

Procurement and Construction

The of the MI 09 double-deck trainsets for Paris's line was managed by the Syndicat des transports d'Île-de-France (STIF, now ) in collaboration with the RATP, through a consortium of and Bombardier. The process unfolded in three phases to address capacity needs amid growing ridership. In April 2009, STIF and RATP awarded an initial for 60 trainsets valued at €917 million, with deliveries scheduled to begin by late 2010. This order focused on replacing older single-deck MI 84 units to boost passenger capacity by approximately 50%. Subsequent expansions exercised options from the original agreement. In June 2012, an additional 70 trainsets were ordered for €1 billion, with Alstom's share amounting to about €700 million and Bombardier's to €336 million; these were earmarked to replace the MS 61 , offering 40% greater capacity and 55% lower energy consumption compared to their predecessors. A final order for 10 trainsets followed in February 2015 at €150 million (Alstom's portion: €95 million), raising the total fleet to 140 trainsets for €2.067 billion overall. Deliveries for the later batches commenced in 2014, with completion by late 2017. Manufacturing occurred across French facilities from 2010 to 2017, leveraging the consortium's expertise in double-deck designs. handled end-car assembly at its Petite-Forêt site, along with components like traction systems from , motors from Ornans, and bogies from . Bombardier produced intermediate cars at its Crespin plant. This division optimized production efficiency for the 110-meter, five-car trainsets. The overall strategy facilitated the phase-out of all MS 61 trains by April 2016—their final service ran on April 17—and the redeployment of MI 84 units to , fully achieved by February 2017 to support modernization efforts there.

Design Features

Structure and Capacity

The MI 09 trainset employs a double-deck configuration with five cars, providing enhanced vertical space utilization for suburban commuting. This design results in a total length of 110 and a width of 2.9 meters, enabling efficient operation within the RER A infrastructure. The trainset accommodates approximately 2,600 passengers (seated and standing), which supports high-density peak-hour travel demands. Each car features three wide doors, measuring 2 meters across, on both sides to expedite boarding and alighting processes, thereby improving overall passenger flow. is integrated through 34 priority seats designated for passengers with reduced mobility and two dedicated spaces for users, ensuring compliance with inclusive standards. The interior layout optimizes multi-level seating arrangements, with configurations that balance seated accommodations on upper and lower decks alongside ample standing areas to maximize capacity during rush hours. Support features such as accessible handrails and even flooring with platforms further enhance usability for diverse commuter needs.

Systems and Technology

The MI 09 trainsets incorporate a dual-voltage electrical system capable of operating on both 1.5 kV DC and 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead lines, enabling seamless transitions across the mixed electrification infrastructure of the line. This design supports efficient power collection via pantographs mounted on the end cars, ensuring compatibility with both urban and suburban segments of the network. Complementing this is a system that captures during deceleration and feeds it back into the power supply, significantly reducing overall energy consumption. The trainsets achieve a maximum operational speed of 120 km/h, balancing high capacity with the line's demanding service requirements. Propulsion is provided by a configuration of three motor cars and two trailers within each five-car trainset, delivering a total power output of 3,000 kW optimized for frequent stops and in dense commuter traffic. , supplied by , drive the train through a high-performance traction that enhances reliability and minimizes wear. This setup allows for the of up to 2,600 passengers per trainset while maintaining smooth across varying loads. Onboard technologies emphasize passenger comfort, security, and operational . A train-to-ground link enables real-time monitoring for , alongside systems that monitor interiors for safety. In 2017, an (ATO) system was introduced, providing precise speed control and improving schedule adherence by automating acceleration, braking, and stopping functions in the central section of the line. These features, developed by , contribute to reduced energy use and enhanced service reliability without compromising safety.

Operations

Introduction and Deployment

The MI 09 trainsets entered revenue service on the line on 5 December 2011, marking the beginning of a phased rollout to modernize the network's . This initial deployment involved the gradual introduction of double-deck units, which significantly increased passenger capacity compared to the preceding single-deck models. By 2017, the full fleet of 140 MI 09 trainsets had been integrated, completing the replacement of the older MS 61 stock, whose last commercial run occurred on 16 April 2016. The MI 09 operates exclusively on RER Line A, Europe's busiest route, spanning approximately 108 kilometers from west to east through and its suburbs. The line is jointly managed by RATP, which handles the central section, and , responsible for the western branches to Cergy-le-Haut, , and . Recent enhancements to service capacity include the expansion of evening operations starting 1 September 2025, featuring additional long trains (10-car formations) on weekdays to accommodate peak post-work demand and improve reliability during off-peak hours. Early operations of the MI 09 faced challenges in adapting to RER A's intense schedule, which features train headways as short as 2 minutes during peak periods in central , necessitating precise synchronization to maintain flow. Integration with legacy infrastructure required targeted investments, including upgrades to electrical distribution and maintenance facilities to support the new double-deck design. Additionally, managing passenger comfort in high-density conditions involved implementing refrigerated ventilation systems across the fleet, which lower interior temperatures by up to 4°C compared to ambient levels without full , aiding adaptation to varying weather while optimizing energy use.

Fleet Management

The MI 09 fleet comprises 140 five-car trainsets, totaling 700 cars, all in active service on RER Line A. These trainsets are distributed across four RATP maintenance depots: Achères, , Sucy-en-Brie, and Torcy, enabling efficient regional coverage and operational flexibility. Routine maintenance for the MI 09 emphasizes servicing of dual-voltage electrical systems and (ATO) components to ensure seamless performance across the RER network's varied infrastructure. Daily and periodic inspections at the depots include checks on , braking, and , with a focus on minimizing downtime through protocols. Passenger feedback highlights the fleet's overall reliability, describing the trains as clean and comfortable, though some reports note occasional inconsistencies in ventilation performance during peak summer conditions. As of 2025, no additional MI 09 orders are planned, with RATP prioritizing fleet sustainment and upgrades to support ongoing RER network expansions, such as extended services and infrastructure enhancements.

References

  1. https://www.railwaygazette.com/passenger/alstom-unveils-paris-rer-line-a-double-deck-train/35687.article
  2. https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/mi09-double-deck-train/
  3. https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2011/2/Alstom-unveils-the-first-train-for-the-RER-A-line-in-France
  4. https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2017/5/alstom-developed-automatic-train-operation-system-successfully-enters-service-on-the-rer-a
  5. https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/24186/paris-rer-line-a-to-receive-100th-mi09-trainset/
  6. https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/ALSTOM-4607/news/ALSTOM-The-Alstom-Bombardier-consortium-will-supply-70-duplex-trainsets-for-the-RER-A-line-14392975/
  7. https://www.iledefrance-mobilites.fr/en/actualites/100-du-rer-a-equipe-de-rames-a-2-niveaux-pour-plus-de-capacite-et-de-confort-pour-les-voyageurs
  8. https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2009/4/Alstom-to-supply-60-double-decker-trainsets-to-the-RATP-for-the-Paris-RER-Line-A-20090408
  9. https://www.reuters.com/article/business/alstom-bombardier-in-1-bln-euro-paris-train-deal-idUSL3E8HT3QJ/
  10. https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2012/7/the-alstom-bombardier-consortium-will-supply-70-duplex-trainsets-for-the-rer-a-line-in-paris
  11. https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2015/2/the-alstom-bombardier-consortium-will-supply-10-additional-trains-for-the-rer-a-line-in-paris
  12. https://www.leparisien.fr/hauts-de-seine-92/rer-a-le-dernier-voyage-du-ms61-entre-la-defense-et-boissy-saint-leger-17-04-2016-5723279.php
  13. https://www.railvolution.net/news/ratp-modernises-rer-line-b-emus
  14. https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2015/7/alstom-and-bombardier-deliver-the-100th-mi09-trainset-to-stif-and-ratp
  15. http://www.railfaneurope.net/list/france_ratp.html
  16. https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2011/12/new-trainsets-for-the-RER-A-line-in-France
  17. https://www.transilien.com/en/page-lignes/ligne-a
  18. https://www.railwaypro.com/wp/ile-de-france-mobilites-expands-rer-a-evening-capacity/
  19. https://www.itineraire-metro.fr/subway-stations/line-A.html
  20. https://www.cadeb.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/ratp-sncf-rff_-rera.pdf
  21. https://www.bfmtv.com/economie/entreprises/transports/quelles-sont-les-lignes-climatisees-dans-les-transports-franciliens_AV-201906240062.html
  22. https://www.iledefrance-mobilites.fr/actualites/100-du-rer-a-equipe-de-rames-a-2-niveaux-pour-plus-de-capacite-et-de-confort-pour-les-voyageurs
  23. https://malignea.fr/lentretien-du-rer-a-3-la-maintenance-des-trains/
  24. https://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/13/rap-enq/r4458.asp
  25. https://ratpgroup.com/api/media/dp_mobilite-et-climat_en.pdf
  26. https://www.railjournal.com/analysis/new-rer-trains-lead-massive-fleet-renewal-in-greater-paris/
  27. https://malignea.fr/levolution-de-nos-trains/
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