The trains for Line 18 were designed by Alstom’s Advanced & Creative Design office as part of the Grand Paris Express project, in collaboration with Société des Grands Projets (contracting authority for the Grand Paris Express), Île-de-France Mobilités (transport authority for Île-de-France) and Egis Rail.

This new generation metro, fully funded by Île-de-France Mobilités, is 100% automatic, and both its exterior and interior designs have been conceived to meet the specific needs of Line 18 and the expectations of passengers. It combines capacity, fluidity, comfort and accessibility for all.

A modern, easily recognizable exterior design

Wishing to involve the people of Île-de-France in the choice of the exterior design of this new generation metro, Île-de-France Mobilités launched an online consultation with the population. Among three proposals designed by Alstom, voters chose the current design, which revolves around a distinctive bright light ‘signature’ around its large windshields at both ends of the train. The exterior design revolves around a distinctive bright light ‘signature’ around its large windshields at both ends of the train. It brings a unique identity and a panoramic feeling of the new windshield.

A metro designed for capacity, fluidity, accessibility and passenger comfort

To facilitate passenger flow, access to the train is facilitated by three wide doors on each car. The wide corridors, wide inter-aisles and large panoramic openings at each end allow a greater traffic flow.

The interior offers passengers a variety of handrails, spaces and seating options. The interconnecting sections offer a rigid lining that replaces the traditional bellow design.

The maximised glazed area all along the train allows light to flood in and gives a panoramic view out for passengers to appreciate the landscape. The feeling of space and luminosity is reinforced by the streamlined shapes associated with a play of bright colours.

Wide aisles, large gangways and the generous panoramic opening at each end provide visibility and openness along the entire length of the train, increasing the sense of security and feeling of space.

A new intelligent lighting systems follows the circadian rhythm: it is similar to natural light that varies according to the time of the day to improve passengers’ well-being.

The train is equipped with free internet connection as well as USB sockets to charge devices. Dynamic digital information screens inform passengers in real time of traffic conditions, next stop, connections and estimated arrival time.

Line 18 metro will be accessible to everyone: passengers with limited mobility have dedicated seats and wheelchair spaces which are easily identifiable by their specific red colour; access to the train is under special lighting to enable the visually impaired to find their way without difficulty; and in anticipation of the service to Paris Orly airport, spaces for passengers with strollers and luggage have been created in the central car.

Category:TransportationYear:2023Designers:Alstom’s Advanced&Creative Design office in collaboration with Société des Grands Projets, Île-de-France Mobilités and Egis Rail. , Alstom SA., Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine Cedex, FranceManufacturer:Alstom SA., Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine Cedex, France