Paris Metro Line 16
Paris Métro Line 16
Paris Métro Line 16 is an upcoming addition to the Paris Métro network, which is part of the ambitious Grand Paris Express project. The Grand Paris Express is a major expansion initiative aimed at enhancing the public transportation system in the Île-de-France region, which surrounds the city of Paris.
Historical Context
The concept of Line 16 was first introduced as part of the Grand Paris Express red line initiative. This initiative was launched in 2009 by then-President Nicolas Sarkozy. The project was designed to create new automated métro lines to service the suburbs of Paris, thereby improving connectivity across the region.
In March 2013, the "New Grand Paris" project was unveiled by Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, which rebranded the line under its current designation, "Line 16."
Route and Stations
Line 16 will stretch approximately 27.5 kilometers, connecting Saint-Denis–Pleyel to Noisy–Champs. It will feature 10 stations, some of which will be shared with Line 17. The project includes a maintenance depot, also shared with Line 17. The entire construction is estimated to cost around €2.85 billion.
The line is strategically designed to interconnect 8 of its stations with other lines in the Paris transport network. This includes connections with 4 existing Métro lines, 4 RER lines, and 2 Tramway lines.
Infrastructure and Rolling Stock
In a significant development in July 2018, Alstom was awarded the contract to provide rolling stock for the Grand Paris Express project. The contract, worth €1.3 billion, includes 183 trains. By March 2019, an order was confirmed for 23 3-car trains, which will be used interchangeably between Line 16 and Line 17.