Metros are trains used for urban transport, running in guided mode on segregated tracks, generally underground but not exclusively. Aboveground metros are referred to as elevated railways. Metros have their own platform, with no access for vehicles and no interfaces with the road network. They are fully guided and, above all, train spacing is regulated by a block system controlled by a central operating system.
Metros are either manned with a driver or fully automatic, and can operate on rails or tyres
Metro - Paris | photo STRMTG
Metros on rails:
Metros on rails are conventional rail systems, running on wheels on standard gauge rails.
They make up the majority of the RATP’s long-standing network. This technology is not found in France’s provincial cities.1
Rubber-tyred metros:
This type of metro runs on wheels fitted with tyres that are relatively similar to road tyres, as opposed to conventional rail equipment. They require specific tracks with two roll ways running alongside the rails.
In addition to rubber-tyred wheels, the axles have traditional steel wheels. These wheels are just above the rails during normal use of the train.
The rubber-tyred wheels are used for traction and braking, while the steel wheels are used as backup in case a tyre fails and for guidance through switches. The bogies also feature smaller horizontal wheels for lateral guidance.
Rubber-tyred metros deliver better performance than conventional rail-based equipment. Due to wheel/rail contact that offers a much higher adhesion coefficient, there is better acceleration on start-up, better braking, and the ability to climb steeper gradients. In addition, the type of materials used improves the performance of elevated lines in poor weather conditions, and running noise is reduced (which is important for elevated lines) by eliminating squealing on sharp curves.
Automatic metros:
Purely automatic metros, for which only rubber-tyred equipment is currently available in France2 do not have traditional driver’s cabs.
Full automation managed from a central command centre eliminates the need for drivers, guaranteeing high precision in train movement and perfectly adapted availability at all times. A mini command centre can be activated in certain emergency situations.
Météor (approx. 2.50 m wide) and Maggaly (approx. 2.90 m wide) are referred to as heavy metros, while VAL, for example, which has a reduced gauge (approx. 2.10 m wide), is considered a light metro.
Metros and regional express networks (RER) (excluding the national rail network -RFN-)
The map below shows all urban areas with one or more metro and RER lines in operation outside the national rail network (2022 Activity Report data).
1. Lyon’s C line is a metro on rails system with a cog section for most of the line. However, because of its cog railway technology, Lyon’s C line is partly governed by ropeway installation regulations.
2. There are two fully-automated rail systems, one in Singapore and the other in Kuala Lumpur.
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