Tendering begins for Paris RER Line B fleet replacement
ILE-DE-FRANCE Mobility, Paris Transport Authority (RATP) and French National Railways (SNCF) have issued a call for tenders for a contract to supply up to 180 new trains to replace the fleet of MI 79/84 (Z8100/Z8400) EMUs used on Paris RER Line B.
ILE-DE-FRANCE Mobility, Paris Transport Authority (RATP) and French National Railways (SNCF) have issued a call for tenders for a contract to supply up to 180 new trains to replace the fleet of MI 79/84 (Z8100/Z8400) EMUs used on Paris RER Line B.
Delivery of the so-called Interconnected New Generation (Ming) fleet was originally scheduled for 2029-2030, but introduction of the first trains has been brought forward to 2025 with the aim of improving service quality on the north-south line from Charles de Gaulle Airport and Mitry-Claye to Robinson and Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse.
The Ming fleet will offer a 20-30% increase in capacity on Line B, which is the city’s second-busiest RER line, carrying around 900,000 passengers per day.
The tender calls for a fully or partially double-deck dual-voltage (25kV ac and 1.5kV dc) train with a maximum length of 208m for two sets operating in multiple. The trains will also be equipped with full-width gangways and CCTV. Between 10 and 20% of seats will be accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
The contract will comprise an initial firm order for 146 trains, with an option for 34 additional sets. Deliveries are due to begin in 2024.
Source: railjournal
