en.Wedoany.com Reported - RATP announced that the last MP73 train has completed its final passenger service on Line 6, ending more than half a century of operation. This iconic train, introduced in the mid-1970s, officially retired after 52 years of service, marking the conclusion of Line 6's modernization project.

With the retirement of the last MP73, Line 6 is now fully operated by MP89CC trains transferred from Line 4. Since January 2023, the two types have been running in parallel on the line, with the replacement process continuing to date. Benjamin Van Peteghem, head of RATP Line 6, stated that this is "crucial for improving service quality and passenger comfort on the line." This replacement is part of a multi-line vehicle redistribution within the Paris Metro: Line 14 first transferred its MP89CA trains to Line 4 for its automation upgrade due to the introduction of MP14 trains, while Line 4's MP89CC trains were subsequently allocated to Line 6 and became the sole operating model.

Line 6 is specifically designed for rubber-tired metro trains, a technical approach directly related to its longitudinal profile, which includes steep gradients, viaducts, and extensive open-air sections. The MP73 is an iconic model on this line, with its rubber tires providing better traction while also helping to reduce noise and vibration in areas traversed by elevated sections. In the 1970s, RATP ordered a total of 252 MP73 carriages, forming 50 trains, with the entire series entering service in July 1974. This model inherited the technical features of its predecessor, the MP59, and was modified for Line 6, including the use of grooved tires to enhance traction on steep slopes and open-air sections.

As one of the iconic models of the Paris Metro, the MP73, with its operation on viaducts, is not only closely associated with Line 6 but has also become a symbol of Paris's international image. The train is characterized by its compact design, departure noise, tire odor, and manually operated doors. Starting in 1996, RATP modernized the MP73, including replacing the black front end, installing vandal-resistant seats, adopting a green-themed interior, and updating fluorescent lighting.

By 2026, the MP89CC trains had gradually completed the replacement of the MP73. The last two MP73 trains, numbered 6524 and 6545, left Line 6 on July 8, 2026, with one motor car (numbered M.3507) to be preserved by the RATP Museum.