Project Profile: Toulouse Aerospace Express (TAE)

The Toulouse Aerospace Express (TAE) is a major urban rail infrastructure project in France, centred on the development of a new 27km automated metro, designated Line 3. The project also incorporates a dedicated Airport Express line to enhance connectivity between Toulouse city centre and Toulouse-Blagnac International Airport, serving key economic hubs including the aerospace industry corridor.

Technical Specifications

The core of the TAE is the fully automated Line 3, featuring 21 new stations designed to handle an estimated 200,000 daily passengers. The route establishes critical connections with the existing metro Lines A and B and the Linéo BRT network. For the Airport Express service, the project leverages existing T2 tramway infrastructure, enabling a rapid six-minute journey to the airport from the Jean Maga interchange station.

Rolling stock consists of Alstom’s two-car Metropolis trains, operating in a 36m configuration with the capacity to be extended to 48m. These trains have a maximum passenger capacity of 386 and feature advanced passenger comfort and energy efficiency systems. Train operations are managed by Alstom’s Urbalis 400 Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system, facilitating driverless (GoA4) operation and ensuring high service frequency and reliability. The project also incorporates Alstom’s Hesop reversible power substation technology to capture and reuse up to 99% of energy generated during regenerative braking, significantly reducing operational energy consumption.

Key Takeaways

• Economic Enablement: The TAE directly connects major employment centres, including Airbus facilities and the Toulouse Euro Sud Ouest business district, to the wider public transport network, supporting regional economic growth.
• Advanced Automation: The implementation of a complete GoA4 automated system, from CBTC signaling to platform screen doors, positions the TAE as a modern, high-efficiency metro line optimized for safety and high-frequency service.
• Multimodal Integration: The project is a model of effective transport integration, creating seamless interchanges between the new metro line, existing metro and tram lines, bus services, and the international airport, forming a cohesive regional network.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Toulouse Metro Line 3 open?

The Toulouse Aerospace Express, including Metro Line 3, is currently under construction. The official opening is targeted for late 2028, though project timelines are subject to adjustments based on construction progress.

Who is building the Toulouse Aerospace Express?

The project is being delivered by a consortium of engineering and construction firms. Tisséo is the public transport authority overseeing the project. Alstom is a primary contractor, responsible for supplying the automated Metropolis trains, the Urbalis 400 CBTC signaling system, and trackwork. Project management is led by a group including Systra and Arcadis.