Siemens to equip Paris Metro Line 1 for fully automatic operations
08 November 2005 12:45
Siemens Transportation Systems (TS) is to equip Line 1 of the Paris Metro for fully automatic operation. A corresponding order worth about 31 million euros has been awarded to TS by the RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens), the metro operator in the French capital. 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 centre, 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, most heavily travelled metro line in Paris. The route is 16.6km long and serves 25 stations. This is the first time that such an important line is to be automated during ongoing metro operation - that is, without interrupting regular passenger service.
Line 1 is the second metro line in Paris to be equipped by Siemens for fully automatic operation. Service connecting stations Madeleine and Bibliothèque François Mitterand on the new Line 14 was officially inaugurated in 1998. A further section from Madeleine to Gare St. Lazare then followed in December 2003.
Siemens is currently working on projects for fully automatic operation on metro line 9 in Barcelona, Spain and line 3 (RUBIN) in Nuremberg, Germany.
The Transportation Systems Group (TS) of Siemens AG is one of the leading international suppliers to the railways industry. As single source supplier and system integrator, the Group combines in its business segments, automation and power, rolling stock, turnkey systems and integrated services, all the expertise necessary to cover the spectrum from signalling and control systems to traction power supplies, as well as rolling stock for mass transit, regional and main line services. Extensive experience in project management and forward-looking service concepts complement our portfolio. In fiscal 2004 (ended September 30) TS generated sales of 4.3 billion euros with a staff of around 17,900 thorughout the world.
For more information on this company:
Siemens Transportation Systems - Signalling and Control Systems
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