Siemens to equip Paris Metro Line 1 for fully automatic operations

This means that Paris Metro's most storied line is to be converted for automated service. Driverless operation is scheduled to start by the end of 2010.

The Siemens automation solution will enable the metro trains to run at higher speeds and at shorter headways and also allow the operator to match the number of vehicles in operation much more quickly to fluctuations in the number of passengers. Vehicle deployment will be controlled from an operations control center, which is also to be supplied by Siemens. Besides the operations control equipment, the company's scope of supply includes the components necessary along the line and for the 49 vehicles operating on Line 1.

Metro Line 1 linking Chateau de Vincennes and La Defense was first opened in July 1900, making it the oldest and most heavily traveled metro line in Paris. This will be the first time that such an important line is to be automated without interrupting regular passenger service.

Having equipped the newly built Line 14, Siemens will now be fitting out the second metro line in Paris for fully automatic operation. Other projects for fully automatic operation on which Siemens is currently working are Line 9 in Barcelona, Spain and Line 3 ("RUBIN") in Nuremberg, Germany.

Siemens is a CAPA Member. For more information on the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation's membership service, please click the icon below.