Grand Paris Express: Green Line 18 — Paris, France

The Green Line 18 project is an urban transit initiative focused on modernizing and expanding the existing mass transit infrastructure in the Paris metropolitan area. Parsons provides technical assistance and PMO for the creation of six new fully automatic metro lines, collectively known as the Grand Paris Express. The project is managed by the Société du Grand Paris (SGP), which is responsible for defining the system concepts, infrastructure, and overseeing the construction of the new rail network.

Supporting Grand Paris’ Green Line 18: A Comprehensive Approach

Upon completion, the Grand Paris Express network will be expanded to include:

• The Red Line, which includes Lines 15, 16, and 17.
• The Blue Line, which is an extension of the existing Line 14, extending north to Saint-Denis and south to Orly Airport.
• The Green Line, which is Line 18.

The Grand Paris Express will connect to the wider Paris Metro system at several key points, for passengers to transfer between the new lines and the existing network. One of the client’s main objectives is to reduce travel times and improve the overall public transportation experience for residents and visitors alike.

Transforming Regional Connectivity

Line 18 is designed to achieve a journey time of 30 minutes. It is a GoA4 fully automatic unmanned train operation covering a distance of 35 kilometers and includes 10 new stations, with a 14 km overhead viaduct between Versailles and Paris-Orly airport. This metro line addresses regional development needs and travel requirements while supporting the creation of vibrant living spaces.

One of the key challenges the project addresses is ensuring the viaduct, and third rail design meets performance and maintenance/operations cost requirements. For the viaduct section of the line, Parsons conducted an accurate risk analysis to procure solutions that comply with these performance and cost criteria. Benchmarking against other GoA4 systems provides valuable insights and solutions to these challenges.

The larger vision involved the implementation of a lean solution to operate a cost-effective GoA4 system. This vision aims to transform the way the Paris-Saclay area is served by connecting it with the region, airports, and TGVs. Line 18 provides connectivity with Paris-center through existing networks and a new connection with Line 14.

The Line also facilitates connections between the employment areas thanks to its fully automatic operation and high frequency of trains (every 2 to 4 minutes during peak hours upon commissioning). The objective is to reduce transport times and offer numerous connections to facilitate suburb-to-suburb travel.

Key Advantages of Line 18: Time Savings, Efficiency, and Sustainability

The automatic driverless system for Line 18 enables energy savings, reduced dwell time at stations, and minimal use of back-up or limited supervision modes, enhancing sustainability and environmental goals by improving connections between urban and economic centers, thereby reducing the reliance on private cars. By increasing accessibility to towns and neighborhoods and providing efficient service to the plateau, the aerial and light metro is designed to save traveler time. Key advantages of Line 18 include time savings and efficiency, as the metro provides a faster and more efficient mode of transport, reducing travel time for users. It also lowers transportation costs for both users and businesses, offers a credible alternative to car travel to help alleviate road congestion, and supports sustainability goals by promoting a shift from private cars to public transport.

With the current saturation of road traffic on the Saclay plateau, where 80% of trips are made by car, Line 18 provides a much-needed alternative. Line 18 complements existing transport modes and soft mobility options, such as the RER B commuter line and dedicated bus services. This integrated approach is essential for the balanced development of the territory. Additionally, the development of cycling infrastructure, including dedicated car parks, self-service electric bicycles, bicycle lifts, and maintenance services, promotes walking and cycling as viable transport options.

Furthermore, the metro is digital and connected, offering services that enhance the travel experience. The Grand Paris Express network functions as an open data platform, accessible to everyone, including innovative companies on the plateau.

Overall, Line 18 represents a significant step towards a more efficient, sustainable, and connected transportation system for the region.

Project Scope

The project for the 35 km long Line 18 includes delivery of:

• Power supply
• Communication systems
• Platform screen doors
• Automatic train control, operation and supervision (CBTC)
• New rolling stock
• Ventilation and smoke extraction
• Track layout, tunnels, and viaducts.
• Technical support
• Risk control
• Controlling the internal interfaces between the subsystems line (RS signalization, signalization platform doors, etc.)
• Civil works (tunnel and elevated sections)
• Onboard GoA4 CBTC
• Trackside CBTC equipment
• Traction power control logic upgrades
• Depot area design modification for fully automated operation
• Platform Screen Doors
• Closed-circuit, television/public, address/passenger, information system
• (CCTV/PA/PIS) equipment’s with their associated interfaces
• The operation of track maintenance and renewal trains is integrated into the signaling system.