Siemens to Automate Systems for Paris Metro Line 13

Siemens Mobility has secured a contract to deliver a new Automatic Train Operation System for Paris Metro Line 13.

The contract, which was awarded by RATP, forms part of a project to transform one of the city’s busiest metro lines utilising Siemens Mobility’s CBTC GoA4 technology, which will allow for fully automated, driverless operations.

The contract also includes the provision of the automation system, a new operations control centre and equipment for 66 trains, as well as an optional maintenance agreement lasting for up to 30 years.

Siemens Mobility has previously implemented driverless technology on Paris Metro Lines 1, 4 and 14, with the enabling of driverless operation on Line 13 expected to be fully commenced by late 2032.

Marc Ludwig, CEO of Siemens Mobility Rail Infrastructure, said:

Our selection for the Line 13 automation project reflects RATP´s continued trust in our expertise. We are proud to support RATP in their ambition to deliver decarbonized, high-performance, and comfortable transport solutions that boost rail attractiveness and contribute to the fight against climate change. Together, we're shaping the future of mobility in Paris.

We’ve had the privilege of contributing to several successful projects in Paris over the years. With Line 14, we achieved a world first by upgrading an existing driverless system to our advanced CBTC GoA4 technology while simultaneously extending automation to new sections of the line. This breakthrough enables Line 14 to serve up to one million passengers daily at 85-second intervals. With Line 13, we're building on this expertise, upgrading one of Paris busiest lines to operate fully automatically.

Modernisation of Line 13 will begin with the introduction of new rolling stock in 2027, which will be followed by the full implementation of an advanced automation system, with the line’s current GoA2 system set to be upgraded to a fully automated GoA4 system.

Siemens Mobility’s CBTC GoA4 automation system will provide increased transport capacity through reduced train intervals, dynamic frequency adjustment based on passenger demand and improved service reliability.

The project will be carried by a team of more than 500 engineers from Siemens’ global centre of excellence for rail automation and cybersecurity in Châtillon, near Paris.

Running along a 24km route; Line 13 connects the southwest (Châtillon-Montrouge) to the north of Paris (Saint-Denis-Université and Les Courtilles) across 32 stations, carrying over 550,000 passengers daily.