The RER line A is among the busiest in the world with over one million passengers per day, and last February a new double deck train for the line was unveiled with the objective of relieving traffic congestion.
The new sets, named MI09, will gradually equip Ligne A at a rate of two sets a month until 2014 to replace the MI84 train sets whose capacity has become insufficient. The first began revenue service on Monday
This is the first of a firm order for 60 units with a conditional option for 70 additional trains. The additional passenger capacity is put at 30%.
Designed by industrial group Alstom-Bombardier, the train has wide doors (2 metres), which facilitate the ascent and decent of travelers. Its transport capacity is much higher than the equipment it replaces: 2600 travelers (including 948 seats) against 1684 (432 seats) for the former. The vestibules have been reworked and gangways on board trains will help to significantly streamline the exchanges between the platforms and the train, improve stop times and regularity of the line and ensure better distribution of passengers in trains.
Passenger comfort has been given priority. The MI09 has included a redesigned interior with a colourful, more harmonious design and new lighting to create smoother and more serene environments.
A passenger information system announces the next station, destinations, and route messages in case of disturbances, with dynamic light lines in the vestibules and two LCD screens (19") located in each upper and lower compartment.
Ventilation réfrigérée offers travelers a more comfortable climate, while using less energy than conventional air conditioning.
It also can accommodate more people with disabilities, with 34 seats per train and two dedicated areas for wheelchair users. Eventually, train access will be possible independently
Finally, a video-on-board protection allows viewing inside the train.
The high performance traction system of the MI09 significantly reduce energy consumption. With an optimised recovery of braking energy, it will generate less dust through increased use of electric braking. And, given its extra capacity, it will provide a saving in energy consumption by 20-55% compared to existing trains.
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