Hitachi Rail has secured a significant contract to upgrade Paris Metro’s Line 12 with its state-of-the-art Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) digital signalling system. The contract is a crucial part of the OCTYS 2030 programme, spearheaded by Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP), and it represents a strategic continuation of Hitachi’s long-standing partnership with the Parisian transit authority.

Pioneering Digital Transformation in Urban Transit

Under the new agreement, valued initially at €20 million with potential extensions worth up to €65 million, including operational maintenance, Hitachi Rail will implement its cutting-edge CBTC technology along the 17.2 km stretch of Line 12. This line, which includes 31 stations and serves as a vital link through two multimodal hubs in Paris’s bustling city center, is poised for a significant transformation that promises enhanced capacity and efficiency.

CBTC technology is renowned for its ability to optimize the use of urban transit infrastructure through wireless communication between trains and trackside equipment. This allows for a more precise control of train movements, thereby improving safety, reducing headways, and increasing transport capacity—essential benefits for the densely populated routes of the Paris Metro.

Building on a Foundation of Success

This project marks the third collaboration between Hitachi Rail and RATP on Paris Metro’s CBTC upgrades, following successful implementations on Lines 3 and 6—the latter scheduled for completion in 2025. These initiatives are part of the broader OCTYS programmes, which aim to modernize and streamline operations across Paris’s extensive metro network.

Global Expertise for Local Impact

Hitachi Rail’s CBTC solutions have been implemented successfully in major cities worldwide, demonstrating a robust track record of enhancing metro operations through increased safety, availability, and scalability. This technology not only elevates the passenger experience by ensuring more reliable and frequent services but also supports sustainable urban development by making public transport systems more efficient.

With the OCTYS 2030 programme, Hitachi Rail and RATP are setting a new standard in urban mobility solutions, driving forward a vision of a more connected and sustainable metropolitan Paris. As Line 12 undergoes this transformative upgrade, both residents and visitors to France’s capital can look forward to a smoother, faster, and more efficient public transportation experience.

François Destribois, Head of the CBTC division at Hitachi Rail in France, said: “Hitachi Rail’s CBTC solutions have been successfully deployed worldwide for decades. This new contract underlines our continuous commitment to rail innovation, supporting our clients to modernize key networks such as the Paris metro, one of the busiest in the world. Our long-term partnership with RATP is supported by our technology and expertise to help improve the commuter’s daily experience as part of a more sustainable urban mobility in Paris.”

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