Global expert in automatic metro networks Egis has been awarded by SYTRAL Mobilités two project management contracts for the modernisation of Lines A and D of the Lyon metro.
Commissioned in 1978, line A consists of 14 stations spread over 9.2 km, connecting Lyon-Perrache station in the southwest to the La Soie business park in Vaulx-en-Velin in the east.
Commissioned in 1992, line D connects the east and west of the city, serving 15 stops over 12.6 km from Gare de Vaise to Gare de Vénissieux.
Egis will modernise the lines to meet the increasing capacity demand in light of the forecasted rise in passenger traffic and the maintenance and renovation requirements to address technical obsolescence of trains and control systems.
Following the automation of line B in 2022, SYTRAL Mobilités plans to modernise line D and to modernise and automate line A, respectively by 2030 and 2035.
The modernisation project will seek to increase the line’s capacity to cope with the projected traffic increase by 2035/2040, and to address technical obsolescence by replacing ageing equipment and systems.
Lyon hopes that Egis’ work will improve passenger comfort and safety which will be aided by introducing new trains and installing platform screen doors.
Line A’s modernisation upgrades will include:
- Full automation of the line’s control system
- Replacing the rolling stock with new generation trains, featuring longer carriages (four instead of three)
- Deploying platform screen doors
- Upgrading numerous fixed installations to support increased traffic (such as traction power)
- Redeveloping the Poudrette depot to integrate the new rolling stock
While Line D’s will include:
- Automatic fall protection on the tracks at stations using safety infrared beams (a system that avoids the platform screen doors usually used in automatic metros)
- A high-performance automatic pilot system managing train spacing based on deformable mobile blocks, similar to current CBTC systems, unlike the fixed block systems prevalent before the 2000s
Egis will also be responsible for carrying out classic project management tasks, monitoring performance, costs, and timelines throughout all project phases.
The company will seek to integrate a proactive approach to eco-design, ecological transition, and integration, while developing a robust migration scenario to transition line A to its final automated state and line D to its upgraded automated state.
This will include sensitive installations such as the extension of the metro depot within an operational metro system.
Egis will also adapt existing infrastructure (stations, tunnels, depot) to integrate new systems while managing system performance.
Achievements and innovations in rail services will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
