Line 13 – a priority

Line 13 is a priority for RATP. It is one of the busiest lines on the metro, with 600,000 passengers each day.

It is particularly crowded during peak periods, due to its Y shape and the large numbers of passengers travelling from suburb to suburb.

An ambitious programme has been undertaken to improve quality of service.

A multi-year programme to alleviate pressure on the line


  • In late 2006, the number of services was increased by between 8% and 22% at various times of day. Line 13 was then equipped with a new-generation centralised control room with new equipment to improve management of train traffic on the line.
    In mid-2007, a second phase of the control room modernisation saw terminal managers and control supervisors brought together in a single location to improve incident management through enhanced responsiveness and coordination.
  • In May 2008, the line was extended to Asnières and Gennevilliers with two new stations. This meant that the line’s two northern branches could be operated symmetrically, allowing greater regularity of service on the central section. The modernisation of the signalling system in some sections of the line, the automatic turnaround of trains at the southern terminal of Châtillon–Montrouge, and the hiring of 15 new drivers reduced fill rate to 95% of capacity on the two northern branches and 97% on the central section.
  • The renovation of rolling stock will be completed in 2011, offering customers greater comfort. By the start of 2010, half the fleet (33 trains) had been renovated.
  • Twelve stations on line 13 will progressively be equipped with platform edge doors between July 2010 and the first half of 2012, like those already installed at Châtillon–Montrouge. These doors will help to improve regularity of service, while also making customers feel safer on the platforms.
  • Lastly, implementation of a constant speed control system will make it possible to reduce the intervals between trains. This will further increase line 13’s capacity. Eventually, its fill rate will be reduced to 90% on the central section and 87% on the two northern branches.

Overall cost of modernisation: The total amount invested in the modernisation of line 13 will be €280 million, including

  • €190 million on the modernisation of the operating facilities and the installation of platform screen doors.
  • €90 million on the modernisation of rolling stock.

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Line 13 – a priority

Line 13 is a priority for RATP. It is one of the busiest lines on the metro, with 600,000 passengers each day.

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