Shadow operators selected for new Greater Paris driverless metro lines

Following an international call for tenders, Transdev Group and Strides International Business, along with Transamo as leader of the consortium, have been designated by the Société du Grand Paris (SGP) and Île-de-France Mobilités (IdFM) as winners of the shadow operator contract for four new Greater Paris driverless metro lines.

Targeted to be operational between 2024 and 2030, the four new metro lines – Line 15, 16, 17 and 18 – are part of the ambitious Grand Paris Express, the largest urban project in Europe. Essentially underground, the four new automatic metro lines will cross the territories of Greater Paris, providing greater and more direct connectivity between suburban districts and linking important transport hubs in the capital.

The Grand Paris Express is a landmark sustainable project that will significantly reduce pollution and congestion, growing a metropolis that is more respectful of the environment. The main scope of the shadow operator will be to provide technical support and assistance to the Société du Grand Paris and Île-de-France Mobilités (IdFM), prior to the selection of the operator for each of the four new lines.

As international transportation operators, Transdev Group and Strides International Business, with Transamo, will jointly offer their savoir-faire and extensive expertise in operation, maintenance and project management to enhance the safety, reliability and commuter experience.

With the companies’ decades of experience operating many train and metro lines across the world, their partnership will see the best of the world’s rail expertise being shared with the Société du Grand Paris and Île-de-France Mobilités (IdFM).

The Greater Paris project is the first major international cooperation between Transdev Group and Strides International Business following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2020. Looking ahead, the partnership will also pursue other operation and maintenance opportunities internationally in the transportation sector.