Alstom, RER A ATO: Paris Rail Capacity & Efficiency Boost

Introduction

On December 11, 2023, Alstom announced the successful implementation of Automatic Train Operation (ATO) on the RER A line in Paris, France. This project, in collaboration with Île-de-France Mobilités and SNCF Voyageurs, involved equipping 56 trains with ATO technology, enhancing the line’s operational capabilities.

ATO Deployment on RER A

The project, which began in 2018, focused on integrating ATO into the existing RER A infrastructure. Alstom’s Urbalis 400 signaling system was the core technology utilized for this deployment. The implementation covered 56 MI09 trainsets, with the goal of increasing capacity and improving service regularity on the line. The project’s budget was €275 million.

Technical Aspects and Implementation

The Urbalis 400 system provides a continuous flow of information to trains, enabling precise speed control and optimized train spacing. The system’s rollout on RER A included the installation of new trackside equipment and the modification of onboard systems. This was performed in collaboration with SNCF Voyageurs, the operator of the RER A line. Alstom also supplied the onboard equipment for the MI09 trains.

Benefits and Operational Impact

The ATO system is designed to improve the line’s performance by optimizing train movements, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing overall safety. The project aimed to increase the line’s capacity to accommodate the 1.4 million passengers who use the RER A line daily. This technology aims to provide more available seats.

Future Developments

The successful implementation of ATO on RER A, with 56 trains equipped, represents a significant step in modernizing the line. The initiative, which began in 2018, has increased the number of seats for the 1.4 million daily passengers on the RER A line.
You might be interested in: “`html

“`

Conclusion

In December 2023, Alstom announced the successful deployment of Automatic Train Operation on the RER A line in Paris, France. The project, which began in 2018, involved equipping 56 trains with ATO technology, using the Urbalis 400 signaling system, with a budget of €275 million, in collaboration with Île-de-France Mobilités and SNCF Voyageurs.

Company Summary

Alstom: A global leader in the rail transport sector, providing rolling stock, signaling, and infrastructure solutions.

Île-de-France Mobilités: The authority responsible for organizing public transport in the Île-de-France region.

SNCF Voyageurs: A subsidiary of SNCF, operating passenger train services in France.

Technology

Automatic Train Operation (ATO): A system designed to automate train operation, including speed control and train spacing.

Urbalis 400: Alstom’s signaling system designed for urban and suburban rail networks.