Ever wondered what it felt like to ride the world’s first rubber-tired metro?
Welcome to Ligne 11 Chatelet Rosny-Bois-Perrier. This isn’t just any metro line. It’s a living testament to Parisian ingenuity and a journey through time. Opened in 1935 it was initially intended to replace the Belleville funicular tramway. This short line connected Chatelet in the heart of Paris to Porte des Lilas on the city’s eastern edge. It was one of the last lines to open.
For decades Ligne 11 was a testing ground for innovation. In 1956 it became the first metro line globally to use rubber tires. Imagine the smooth quiet ride a stark contrast to the rattling metal wheels of other lines. This innovation improved acceleration and deceleration making the line more efficient. The RATP the operator of the Paris Metro experimented with this technology on Ligne 11 due to its short length steep slopes and winding route. It was a perfect testbed for a secondary line. The changeover to rubber tires involved significant overnight work minimizing disruption to service.
The line’s quiet operation was not the only technological advancement. In 1967 Ligne 11 became the first on the Paris network to utilize a centralized control station and automatic train operation. This allowed for greater efficiency and precision in train management. This was a significant step towards automation in metro systems worldwide.
The recent extension to Rosny-Bois-Perrier added six new stations almost doubling the line’s length. The opening on June 13 2024 marked a new chapter for Ligne 11. This extension significantly increased ridership connecting four major municipalities in Seine-Saint-Denis. This part of the project which includes the new Coteaux Beauclair station represents an interesting development because a small section of the line now runs above ground. This is an unusual aspect for the Paris Metro system.
The new MP 14 trains now serving the line are five cars long compared to the previous four-car trains. This increase in capacity enhances efficiency. They boast open gangways allowing passengers to move freely between cars. This improves passenger flow especially during peak hours. The introduction of these new trains was accompanied by the retirement of the MP 59 trains which served Ligne 11 since 1999.
The extension to Rosny-Bois-Perrier was a complex undertaking. Construction involved the extension of the Chatelet rear yard to accommodate the longer trains. This presented considerable challenges due to space constraints beneath existing buildings. To facilitate this work the line was temporarily terminated at Hotel de Ville. The expansion added substantial improvements to accessibility with the creation of new access points and lifts. The extension also provided interconnections with the RER E and the future extension of the T1 tram line.
So as you stand here today on Ligne 11 remember this isn’t just a simple commute. It’s a journey through innovation technological advancement and the ever-evolving landscape of Paris.