Alstom has signed a contract worth over EUR 300 million with SYTRAL Mobilités to modernise Line D of the Lyon metro. The agreement includes the supply of 26 new-generation rubber-tyred metro trains, valued at EUR 145 million, and a EUR 158 million upgrade of the line’s systems and automation. The project aims to enhance capacity, reliability, and the overall passenger experience on the network’s most heavily used line.
The rolling stock and control systems will be developed and designed in France, with the project team based in the Lyon metropolitan area. Frédéric Wiscart, President of Alstom France, said:
“These modern, comfortable metros represent a considerable asset for improving the network and the passenger experience. The renovation of the automated driving system on line D, incorporating innovative control and cybersecurity technologies, meets the growing demand for more sustainable and smarter mobility.”
Next-Generation MPL25 trains
The new 2-car MPL25 metro trains will be fully automated, accommodating over 300 passengers per unit. They are interoperable with the MPL16 trains operating on Line B, enabling multiple-unit operation for increased capacity. Each train will feature:
- Large windows
- LED lighting
- Refrigerated ventilation
- Passenger information screens
- Accessibility features, including wide corridors and PRM spaces
The trains are designed with environmental sustainability in mind. They are 96% recyclable, equipped with energy-recovering electric braking systems, and produce fewer fine particles thanks to minimal mechanical braking.
Enhanced cybersecurity
The new trains will also include cybersecurity protection, aligned with current European regulations to ensure system resilience and passenger safety.
Urbalis signalling for driverless operation
Alstom will overhaul Line D’s automatic control system using its Urbalis driverless signalling solution. Originally launched in 1991 as the world’s first wide-gauge automatic metro, Line D spans 13 km and currently serves around 300,000 passengers daily. The new system will operate without platform doors, improving service reliability and comfort.
Urbalis is already in use on Line B and more than 190 metro lines worldwide. It offers:
- Higher transport capacity
- Improved energy efficiency
- Greater operational flexibility
Extensive French industrial contribution
Seven Alstom sites across France will be involved in the project:
- Valenciennes – trainset assembly, testing, and validation
- Ornans – motors
- Le Creusot – bogies
- Tarbes – traction systems
- Villeurbanne – on-board electronics, passenger information, cybersecurity, and maintenance
- Crespin – upgrades to existing MPL85 trains for control system compatibility
- Saint-Ouen – development of the Urbalis signalling system
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