Alstom has begun testing a driverless metro train set to operate on the new Line 18, connecting Orly Airport to Versailles in the Paris metropolitan area. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Alstom has begun testing a driverless metro train set to operate on the new Line 18, connecting Orly Airport to Versailles in the Paris metropolitan area.

A modern three-car Metropolis train has arrived at the maintenance center in Palaiseau, where it will undergo trial runs ahead of the planned launch in Q4 2026.

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Alstom to Begin Testing Metropolis Trains for Line 18

The first section of Line 18 will offer 85-second headways during peak hours, increasing service frequency and easing regional traffic congestion.

Signed in 2021, the contract between Alstom and IDFM is valued at €230 million. The base order covers 15 trainsets, with an option to expand to 37 units.

Alstom Production Centralized at French Facilities

Six Alstom sites in France are involved in manufacturing the new trains, with final assembly taking place at the Valenciennes facility.

Each trainset is 47 meters long and can carry up to 350 passengers. It will operate at a service speed of 65 km/h, with a maximum speed of 100 km/h.

Approximately 20% of the materials used are recyclable, aligning with modern sustainability and environmental standards.

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