Île-de-France Mobilités has announced that the final electric Francilien train has now commenced service at Saint-Lazare station in Paris.
This is the last of 360 trains that have entered service as part of a comprehensive train renewal programme, which aims to increase passenger comfort and reliability on lines H, K, P, J, L and the RER E.
The final vehicle is operating on line J between Gisors and Paris. Lines H, J, K, L and P are now fully equipped with the Francilien trains, while the RER E line has 11 trains in its fleet of 52 rolling stock.
The Francilien is an ergonomic ‘boa’ train that offers 29 percent more seats than previous models. Each vehicle features large screens to provide passengers with real-time information, as well as USB sockets, underfloor heating, efficient air conditioning and natural lighting systems.
The trains are 100 percent electric and have been designed from 90 percent recyclable materials.
The 360 new vehicles were first ordered 16 years ago, with the first unit arriving in December 2009 for line H.
During this time, Île-de-France Mobilités and its partners have developed the platforms and stations and modernised the rail systems throughout the Parisian network to accommodate the new electric vehicles.
Moving forward, Ile-de-France Mobilités will continue to add new vehicles to its fleet. For example, the RER NG model will soon operate on the RER D and E lines, the Regio 2N will be used on lines N and R, while Dualis tram-trains will be deployed on lines T13 and T4.
In addition, new MP14 metros will operate on lines 14 and 11 and MF19 metros will equip lines 6, 8 , 12 and 13.
