Siemens Mobility has been awarded a contract by RATP to deliver a new Train Operation Automation System for Paris Metro Line 13. This follows the 2022 decision by Île-de-France Mobilités to automate the line. The project will use Siemens Mobility's CBTC GoA4 technology, which will allow fully automated, driverless operations. The aim is to increase transport capacity and service reliability while optimizing energy consumption.
The contract covers the supply of the automation system, construction of a new operations control center, and equipment for 66 trains. There is also an option for a maintenance agreement lasting up to 30 years. Siemens Mobility has previously implemented similar driverless technologies on Paris Metro Lines 1, 4, and 14.
Marc Ludwig, CEO of Siemens Mobility Rail Infrastructure, said: "Our selection for the Line 13 automation project reflects RATP´s continued trust in our expertise. We are proud to support RATP in their ambition to deliver decarbonized, high-performance, and comfortable transport solutions that boost rail attractiveness and contribute to the fight against climate change. Together, we're shaping the future of mobility in Paris." He added: "We’ve had the privilege of contributing to several successful projects in Paris over the years. With Line 14, we achieved a world first by upgrading an existing driverless system to our advanced CBTC GoA4 technology while simultaneously extending automation to new sections of the line. This breakthrough enables Line 14 to serve up to one million passengers daily at 85-second intervals. With Line 13, we're building on this expertise, upgrading one of Paris busiest lines to operate fully automatically."
Modernization work on Line 13 will begin with new rolling stock set for introduction in 2027 before implementing the advanced automation system. Currently operating with drivers managing doors and safety functions under a GoA2 system—which already automates acceleration and braking—the line will be upgraded to full GoA4 automation.
The modernization includes equipping trains with new systems, renovating the Operations Control Center (OCC), comprehensive staff training programs, and potentially long-term maintenance services from Siemens Mobility.
According to Siemens Mobility’s plans, their CBTC GoA4 system should bring improvements such as increased train frequency through shorter intervals between trains and dynamic adjustment based on passenger demand. The upgrade aims at more reliable service delivery and better energy efficiency across operations. Real-time passenger information onboard is expected as part of these enhancements.
Execution will take place at Siemens Mobility's global center for rail automation and cybersecurity excellence located in Châtillon near Paris—where over 500 engineers focus on design and development.
Paris Metro Line 13 serves as an important north-south link within the city’s metro network with its route covering about 24 kilometers between Châtillon-Montrouge in the southwest and Saint-Denis-Université/Les Courtilles in northern Paris. The line features major transfer points like Saint-Lazare and Montparnasse-Bienvenüe stations and handles more than half a million passengers each day.