Ten years of waiting, breakdowns, repeated tests, strikes in the background, and then this Saturday at 12 PM, the doors swung open. At 4 Cantons Stade Pierre-Mauroy, the crowd rushed in to board the very first BOA train launched on Lille's metro line 1. The atmosphere was like a big celebration, filled with curiosity and relief.
52-Meter Trains (and you can feel it)
First impression: space. The new Alstom trains are 52 meters long and are crafted from one continuous piece, with no partition between the cars, which is why they are called BOA trains. In short: smoother circulation, a feeling of openness, and less of that "sardine can" effect during peak hours. Line 1 of Lille's metro gains 13% more capacity right from the start, with five trains already in operation. Ten more will follow in the coming weeks, to reach 42 trains by 2028. Onboard, the vibe is definitely more modern: softer lighting, digital signage, announcements…
clearer sounds. Some travelers even mentioned a new scent.See this post on Instagram
A new autopilot (and a technological bet)
These new trains come with a brand new autopilot system, rolling out since the end of 2024. It's a world first in operation on an existing network, according to the European Metropolis of Lille. The goal: to improve reliability and increase the overall capacity of the network.MEL evokes a capacity increase of up to 50% on line 1, a strategic route between Villeneuve-d'Ascq, Lille, and Lomme. Let's be honest: the automated pilot tests have had their ups and downs in recent months. Breakdowns, interruptions, adjustments... Now, the elected officials describe it as a tested system. We'll just have to see how it performs during the Monday morning rush.
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A response to the saturation of the Lille metro
With over 200,000 travelers per day on line 1, the Lille metro was reaching its limit. These new trains have become essential. Less noise while rolling, better accessibility, improved internal flow... For those who are claustrophobic or simply tired of squeezed journeys, the change is quite noticeable.
The rollout is happening gradually, without completely halting the service. The old trains are still running alongside the new ones. In other words: you might come across a BOA… or not (yet).
More info here