Apr 21 2009
The RATP has announced its decision to award a firm contract for 60 MI09 double-decker trainsets to the Alstom-Bombardier consortium. Alstom will carry out 70% of the contract which is worth a total of €917 million, with €640 million for Alstom. The contract also includes an option for extra trainsets.
These 60 trainsets (30 trains consisting of two trainsets each) are for RER Line A** and will replace the single-decker MI84 rolling stock. Priority has been given to capacity, rapid traffic circulation and passenger comfort. The double-decker trainsets, which are the only ones that can manage a flow of one million passengers per day, will each carry up to 1,725 people. Each 110 m long trainset consists of five cars, each one equipped with six large doors to optimise the time spent in stations. The maximum speed of 120 km/h and acceleration and braking performances of the MI09 will enable train frequency to be increased.
For the comfort and security of passengers, this new rolling stock will have a video surveillance system. Lighting has been adapted to intensify a calm travelling ambience. LCD screens installed in the trains will inform travellers of their destination, services and connections. As well as a harmonious use of colours for the interiors, the front of the train is of a very contemporary design.
The MI09 trainsets will be equipped with a high performance and very environmentally friendly traction system which will reduce energy consumption, will produce less dust particles during braking and will not use pollution-causing fluids.
The trains will be manufactured at Alstom's sites in France: electrical units and traction controls at Tarbes, traction motors and alternators at Ornans, bogies at Le Creusot and command and control electronics at Villeurbanne. The end cars will be assembled at Alstom's Valenciennes site and the middle cars at Bombardier's Crespin site. The delivery of the first MI09 trainset is scheduled for the end of 2010 and entry into commercial service during 2011.