Francilien trains are now in operation on Line K of SNCF’s Transilien suburban rail network.
Bombardier, which has developed the train design specifically for the Transilien network, has delivered 188 trains to date, initially rolling them out on Line H in 2009.
The first 16 sets for Line K were inaugurated on September 2 at an event in Paris. They went into passenger service on the line, which connects Paris Gare du Nord with Crépy-en-Valois, the following day.
The new EMUs, constructed from 90 per cent recycled materials, have been financed by the Île-de-France’s transport authority Syndicat des transports d’Île-de-France (STIF).
SNCF said it expects the Francilien’s quicker acceleration, better braking and improved reliability will improve the punctuality of services from 88 per cent to 92 per cent.
Francilien trains are now also in service on lines L and J – 55 in total. The next milestone will see the first Francilien units carrying passengers on the Creil-Pontoise branch of Line H in December 2016.
The introduction of the Francilien fleet is being coupled with a major upgrade of the existing fleet.