Conception MP 89

an mp 89 cc train @ bastille - line 1



an mp 89 cc train @ mairie de montrouge - line 4

in 1988, ratp possessed large number of outdated sprague-thomson trains, many of rapidly approaching 60 , 70 years old. mf 77 trains in place along lines 8, 9, , 13, of sprague replaced. however, there still trains in service along line 9, approaching 80 years old. trains retired in 1983, reducing average age of rolling stock 14 years. anticipating further aging in rolling stock, ratp changed policy regarding replacement of rolling stock avoid massive, simultaneous replacement of rolling stock.

september 28, 1990 marked approval of contract manufacture mp 89 trains ratp order of 665 cars, gec alsthom being selected manufacturer. in 1994, prototype mp 89 ca built testing @ facility near petite ceinture, former rail line encircled paris. total of 52 trains line 1 , 21 trains line 14 built, totaling 438 cars, fewer 665 cars mentioned in contract. first mp 89 cc trains went service on line 1 on march 27, 1997 , mp 89 ca trains went service on line 14 on october 15, 1998.

the mp 89 class developed when need replace original rubber-tyred mp 55 cars of line 11 identified, , rolling stock required new line 14 anticipation of extension of line 1 la défense business district. achieved construction of new class of cars lines 1 , 14, cascading of refurbished mp 59 stock line 1 lines 11 , 4. 2 types designed, driverless mp 89 ca automated line 14, , mp 89 cc manually driven line 1. both subclasses visually similar except provision of drivers cab in outer end of mp 89 cc cars. (from fr:mp 89).