MF 88

The MF 88 is a steel-wheel variant of electric multiple units used on Paris's Métro system. RATP contracted a consortium of manufacturers, with Ateliers du Nord de la France (now Bombardier Transportation) in charge of the project. They were built following successful tests of a prototype train-set called the "BOA", derived from the MF 77, which tested new features such as interconnecting passages between cars to improve passenger distribution and special bogies to reduce friction caused by the sharp curves found in the Métro network.

MF 88
MF 88 on Louis Blanc, Paris Métro Line 7bis.
Interior of the MF 88
In service1993 - present
ManufacturerAlstom, Faiveley, Renault, ANF
ReplacedSprague-Thomson
Constructed1990–1992
Scrapped2013 (Set 06)
Number built27 cars
Number scrapped3 cars (Set 06)
SuccessorMF 19
Formation3 per trainset
Capacity425 per car
Operator(s)RATP
Line(s) servedParis Métro Paris Métro Line 7bis
Specifications
Train length45.44 m (149 ft 31⁄32 in)
Car length15.15 m (49 ft 8+15⁄32 in)
Maximum speed70 km/h (43 mph) but 40 km/h (25 mph) in operations
Traction systemAlstom GTO-VVVF
Traction motors3-phase AC induction motor type 4ELA 2552
Power output840 kW (1,130 hp)
Electric system(s)750 V DC Third rail
Current collector(s)Contact shoe
UIC classificationBo'Bo'+2'2'+Bo'Bo'
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

Design

Carrying on the features of the BOA, a total of nine MF 88 train-sets were built, which currently operate on Line 7bis in a three-car formation. It was the first model with AC motors as opposed to DC and with interconnecting gangways. It was also the last model not newly built with automatic announcements and with user-activated doors (all subsequent models, as well as more recently the MF 77s on Line 13, have had all doors open at once). The high rate of wear-and-tear of the train-sets has made maintenance much more expensive than expected. This is because of the design flaw in the chassis, each bogie only has one axle, similar to a typical car, bus, some rubber-tired trains (although the rubber-tired lines of the Paris Métro use the typical 2-axle bogies), or certain railbuses, but unusual for a more “standard” railcar, especially one powered by electricity,

Retirement

It was speculated that they were likely to be replaced by spare MF 67s, which in turn were replaced by the MF 2000. However, this plan was abandoned. It is now planned for the MF 19 rolling stock to replace them in 2025.

Technical specifications
  • Manufacturers: Alstom, Faiveley, Renault, ANF
  • Electric source: 750 V DC third rail
  • Traction: GTO (Gate Turn Off)
  • Power: 2 motors per motor coach of 210 kW (280 hp), 840 kW (1,130 hp) per train
  • Maximum speed: 70 km/h (43 mph)
  • Bogies: Bi-Directional
  • Length: 46.44 metres (152 ft 4+11⁄32 in)
  • Train-set: M-B-M

Formations

As of 1 September 2022, eight MF88 trainsets were in service and were formed as shown below.

One trainset was scrapped in 2013.

As of 1 March 2022, eight trainsets were allocated to Pré Saint-Gervais Depot (Paris) for use on Line 7 bis in a 3-car formation (2M1T).

 
<- Louis Blanc
Pré St Gervais ->
 
 
Car No.123
Type MTM
Designation 88M.xxx88B. xxx88M. xxx
Equipment VVVFCP, SIVVVVF
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References
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