TGV is one of the most famous train in the world, but French railways have much more to see, especially in Paris. Public transportation in Paris is amazingly well-designed, composed by Metro, RER and SNCF lines.
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The term "Metro" is originated from Paris. The first line opened in 1900, when the EXPO is held. Since most of the lines were developed before 1930, stations and tunnel interior are historically interesting. Some lines are rubber-tire operation, and others are normal steal tire operation. While MP59, MP73 and MP89 are used in the former, MF67, MF77, MF88 and MF2001 are used in the latter.
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Métro Line 14
Line 14 is equiped with automatic operation system. Stocks in this line (MP89) do not have a cabin for drivers.
MP59 in Paris Métro
RATP MP59 is the thrid oldest rubber-tire stock in Paris Metro. After introduced in 1963, it ran the busiest line 1 and line 4 for a long time. Now new stock, MP89 has replaced trainsets in line 1, but many stocks are in service in line 4. The front is colored in black after the refurbrishment.
MF67/MP73 in Paris Métr
MF67 can be seen in line 2, 3, 3bis, 5, 9 and 12. Although RATP promoted conversion to rubber-tire metro, this renovation has stopped in 1960s. Instead, new steal-tire stock MF67 has invented. The front of refurbrished stocks is painted in black.
MF77 in Paris Métro
MF77 is designed for passengers traveling rather long distance. It has 3 pairs of doors in a side, wider body and comfortable seats. It is used in line 7, 8 and 13.
RER is a unique system. It runs underground in the center, but the number of stations is limited. When it reaches suburban, it appears to the surface. Stocks are larger than Metro, and some of them are double-decker style. Four major lines are already in service, which have achieved fast and convenient system.
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MS61 in Paris RER, RATP
MS61 is the first trainset for RER, which is in service in line A until 1963. While the first type (MS61A/B) has a beautiful round design, latter MS61C/D/E/Ex has a simplified front mask. Although they are old stocks with nose-suspension drive, refurblishment of those stocks are undergoing.
MI79/Z8100
MI79 is most often seen stocks in RER Paris. They are designed for middle-distance commuter traffic, characterized with 3 doors in a side, cross-seat interior. While MI79 (RATP) and Z8100 (SNCF) are used in line B, similar style MI84 is operated in line A. They have chopper control system.
MI2N
MI2N is the newest type in RER. To fulfill demand to acomodate large amount of passengers and to shorten the stopping time in a station, it is designed to have a double-deck body with 3 doors in a side. Upper deck is for long-distance passenfers, lower for short-distance passengers.
