MF 88

MF 88
MF 88 on Louis Blanc, Paris Métro Line 7bis.
In service	1993 - Current
Manufacturer	Alstom, Faiveley, Renault, ANF
Number built	27 cars
Formation	3 per trainset
Capacity	425 per car
Operators	RATP
Lines served
Specifications
Train length	45,440 mm (149 ft 1.0 in)
Maximum speed	70 km/h (43 mph)
Traction system	GTO
Power output	840 kW (1,130 hp)
Electric system(s)	750 V DC Third rail
Current collector(s)	Contact shoe
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

The MF 88 is a steel-wheel variant of electric multiple units used on Paris's Métro system. RATP contracted a consortium of manufacturers together following successful tests of the BOA prototype, with Ateliers du Nord de la France (now Bombardier Transportation) in charge of the project.

A total of nine train-sets were built, which currently operate on Line 7bis in a three-car formation. The high rate of wear-and-tear of the train-sets has made maintenance much more expensive than expected. This is because of the design flaw in the chassis, it has one axle which is very unusual. It was speculated that they were likely to be replaced by spare MF 67s, which in turn were replaced by the MF 2000. However, this plan has been abandoned and it is unclear if the trains will be considered for a mid-life refurbishment. (From fr:MF 88).

Interior of the MF 88

Technical specifications

• Manufacturers: Alstom, Faiveley, Renault, ANF
• Electric source: 750 V by third rail
• Traction: GTO (Gate Turn Off)
• Power: 2 motors per motor coach of 210 kW (280 hp), 840 kW (1,130 hp) per train
• Maximum speed: 70 km/h
• Bogies: Bi-Directional
• Length: 46.44 meters
• Train-set: M-B-M