Paris metro line 8 automatic control system goes to Alstom

Paris metro line 8 automatic control system is set to be supplied by Alstom. RATP selected the company on behalf of Île-de-France Mobilités. As Alstom announced on 12 March 2026, the contract is part of OCTYS 2030.

Paris metro line 8 automatic control system under OCTYS 2030

The programme is led by RATP. It is funded by Île-de-France Mobilités. It is intended to deploy automatic control and driving systems across the Paris metro network. At the same time, it is meant to improve the performance and reliability of the lines concerned.

It also supports the commissioning of the new MF19 rolling stock. That stock is to be deployed on line 8 by 2029, as previously covered by Railway Supply.

The contract includes two lots. One covers the on-board system. It performs automatic train control functions with a driver. This corresponds to “Grade of Automation 2” or GoA2.

Don’t miss…Union Pacific bridge restoration in Lincoln after fire

Meanwhile, the other lot covers the radio system. It enables data transmission between the train and the ground. Separately, Alstom has also been entrusted with the overall coordination of the automatic driving system.

“With I-CBTC, we are providing a reliable, state-of-the-art automatic control solution designed and integrated by our teams in France. We are delighted to once again contribute to the modernisation and improvement of the Paris metro performance alongside RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités,” said Frédéric Wiscart, President of Alstom France, Belgium & Luxembourg.

Alstom I-CBTC and CBTC on-board technology

Alstom describes I-CBTC as an interchangeable Communication-Based Train Control on-board automatic control system for metros. It complies with RATP’s OCTYS development framework. It also complies with the latest international standards for safety, cybersecurity and reliability in the field of mobility.

In addition, the system allows shorter, safely managed train spacing. It also provides real-time supervision. Still, it helps increase the regularity and resilience of the line. This improves reliability for passengers.

The OCTYS contract for line 8 also highlights Alstom’s expertise in railway signalling. It also highlights the strength of its partnership with RATP. The two sides have worked closely together for more than 20 years to modernise the Paris metro network.

For example, lines 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11 have already been equipped with the OCTYS on-board solution developed by Alstom. In addition, more than 200 trains on the Paris metro network now operate with Alstom’s I-CBTC on-board technology. Those trains transport more than 350 million passengers per year.

Three Alstom sites in France for line 8

For this project, Alstom will handle the on-board and radio components of the I-CBTC solution. It will cover development, validation and industrialisation. It will also cover installation, testing and commissioning. Three Alstom sites in France will contribute to the work.

Also, Aix-en-Provence will handle project management, development, supply and overall system engineering. Meanwhile, Saint-Ouen will be responsible for radio deployment studies, on-site installation, testing and commissioning. Still, Villeurbanne will supply electronic equipment and carry out reliability and maintainability activities.

At the same time, Alstom said the new contract reinforces its position as a leader in digital and signalling in France. The company states that it has more than 2,000 experts. It also says it is France’s leading employer in digital mobility.

Separately, Alstom also says it is a pioneer in communication-based train control. It cites more than 30 years of expertise. It also says more than 190 metro lines are equipped in 32 countries. In addition, it says its radio CBTC systems draw on 20 years of expertise.

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