Lille metro 52-meter trains enter service as line 1 expands capacity

Lille metro 52-meter trains have entered service on line 1. The change marks a new phase in the network’s modernization and capacity expansion program as passenger numbers continue to rise.

YesLille metro 52-meter trains: line 1 capacity boostAlso, the project is being carried out by Métropole Européenne de Lille. It is being delivered with Alstom and the operator Keolis Lille ilévia, as reported by Railway Supply.

First commercial runs on Lille metro line 1

The first 52-meter train was unveiled on February 14 at the 4 Cantons depot. After that presentation, the longer sets moved into commercial service on Lille metro line 1.

Don’t miss…Riyadh Red Line extension: stations underway at King Saud University

Separately, extending the train length effectively doubles capacity compared with the shorter trains previously used. This is intended to help manage peak-hour demand on the busiest line in the system.

Increased capacity with VAL 208 trains shifting to line 2

Line 1 is the main axis of the Lille metro. The introduction of the 52-meter train is intended to:

• significantly increase transport capacity;
• reduce congestion during peak hours;
• improve the regularity and robustness of operations.

At the same time, VAL 208 trains are gradually being redistributed to line 2, supporting a more balanced use of rolling stock across the network.

Upgrades for comfort and accessibility in the VAL network

In addition, the new trains include upgrades for comfort and accessibility, including:

• more open interior spaces;
• improved lighting;
• modern passenger information systems;
• optimized accessibility.

These measures sit within a broader effort to adapt the metro to current urban mobility requirements.

Still, the Lille metro is among the world’s first VAL (Véhicule Automatique Léger) automated systems, and extending train length is a significant technical step for a compact network with fully automated operation. By introducing longer trains, local authorities aim to increase capacity without changing train frequency, a solution considered more efficient within the limits of existing infrastructure.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: