The historic MP 73 stock on the Paris Métro has now been retired. After 52 years animating Line 6 of the Métropolitain (they entered service in 1974), the final set ran yesterday on a special farewell trip.
Purpose-built for this route—with long elevated sections between Charles-de-Gaulle–Étoile and Nation—the MP 73s were the network’s second generation to use the Michelin rubber-tyre system. Their white livery with a green band became synonymous with the viaduct alignment overlooking the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.
The withdrawal forms part of the modernisation programme led by Île-de-France Mobilités, backed by a €350m investment. Line 6 now operates exclusively with MP 89 trainsets, with 51 units in service. These have been cascaded from Line 4 following its full automation. During conversion, formations were shortened from six to five cars.
According to RATP, the renewal delivers gains in comfort and reliability. The MP 89 fleet is equipped with the Octys CBTC system, enabling headways of up to two minutes at peak.
The operator plans to preserve one complete MP 73 set alongside an MP 59 unit, the latter withdrawn from service in June 2024.