MF 88

The MF 88 is a steel-wheel variant of electric multiple units used on Paris's Métro system. RATP contracted a consortium of manufacturers, with Ateliers du Nord de la France (now Bombardier Transportation) in charge of the project. They were built following successful tests of a prototype train-set called the "BOA", derived from the MF 77, which tested new features such as interconnecting passages between cars to improve passenger distribution and special bogies to reduce friction caused by the sharp curves found in the Métro network.

MF 88
MF 88 on Louis Blanc, Paris Métro Line 7bis.
Interior of the MF 88
In service	1993 - present
Manufacturer	Alstom, Faiveley, Renault, ANF
Constructed	1990–1992
Number built	27 cars
Formation	3 per trainset
Capacity	425 per car
Operator(s)	RATP
Line(s) served
Specifications
Train length	45.44 m (149 ft 1.0 in)
Car length	15.15 m (49 ft 8.5 in)
Maximum speed	70 km/h (43 mph)
Traction system	GTO
Power output	840 kW (1,130 hp)
Electric system(s)	750 V DC Third rail
Current collection method	Contact shoe
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge

Carrying on the features of the BOA, a total of nine MF 88 train-sets were built, which currently operate on Line 7bis in a three-car formation. The high rate of wear-and-tear of the train-sets has made maintenance much more expensive than expected. This is because of the design flaw in the chassis, it has one axle which is very unusual. It was speculated that they were likely to be replaced by spare MF 67s, which in turn were replaced by the MF 2000. However, this plan has been abandoned and it is unclear if the trains will be considered for a mid-life refurbishment (from fr:MF 88).