MEP 70
| MEP 70 MEP 103 | |
|---|---|
 Diagram of a MEP 70's control (top) and passenger (bottom) cars | |
 Interior of a MEP 70 train on the Talon Métro | |
| In service | 1973–present |
| Manufacturer | ACARA Mobility (1970-1983) Lanterne Transportation (1983-) |
| Assembly | Marlane-la-Prairie, Montagnes |
| Constructed | 1970–1990 |
| Refurbishment | 2003-2009 |
| Number built | TBD |
| Operator(s) | Talon Métro, Huimont Métro, Beaurepaire Métro, Bounèsquebourg Métro, Saint-Martin Métro |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 14.8 m (control car) 15.3 m (passenger car) |
| Width | 2.5 m |
| Electric system(s) | 750 V DC, guide bars |
| Current collection method | Third rail contact shoe |
| Track gauge | 1,500 mm (4 ft 11 in) |
The MEP 70, officially the Pneumatic Electric Metro, 1970 (French: Métro électrique pneumatique, 1970), is a rubber-tired electric multiple unit train used for rapid transit operations. Originally designed by ACARA Mobility, it has been manufactured by Lanterne Transportation since 1983 following ACARA's bankruptcy. Developed in response to the 1960s Great Movement plan for a dramatic expansion of rapid transit in Ainin, the MEP 70 was adopted by every recipient of funding under the program: Talon, Beaurepaire, Huimont, Iberville and Bounèsquebourg. The design proved both versatile and long-lasting, with the MEP 70 since becoming the backbone of the Aininian urban rail network.
The MEP 70 was an innovative vehicle, featuring the world's first aluminium train chassis and a highly advanced automatic train control system. Its then-state of the art performance also led many cities to adopt the vehicle or others of similar design, popularising rubber-tired rapid transit.
Production of MEP 70 vehicles ended in 1990 and was succeeded by the MEP Millénnaire, although hundreds of MEP 70s remain in operation today. Many MEP 70s were refurbished starting in 2003 according to a mid-life refresh design known as MEP 103, which improved signage, modernised the control cab and reconfigured the seating and lighting arrangements.
Operators
Beaurepaire, Ainin: Beaurepaire Métro (Société de transport de Beaurepaire)- Bounèsquebourg, Ainin: Bounèsquebourg Métro (Régie des transports de Bounèsquebourg)
- Huimont-Tourres, Ainin: Huimont Métro (Port Authority of Huimont and Tourres)
- Talon, Ainin: Talon Métro (Reteno)
- Template:Country data Nautarya–Alouatan Saint-Martin, Nautarya–Alouatan: Saint-Martin Métro (Saint-Martin Transport Commission)
- Template:Country data Slovunia Lakograde, Slovunia: Łákŭgradska Métrŭpółytaj (Tranłák)
- Template:Country data Slovunia Yerkutsk, Slovunia: Jerkucka Métrŭpółytaj (Tranzytŭkommyssia Jerkuck)
- Template:Country data Slovunia Yuzifograde, Slovunia: Júzifŭgradska Métrŭpółytaj (Tranzytŭkommyssia Júzifŭgrad)
Former operators
- Iberville, Ainin: Iberville Métro (Société de transport d'Iberville) (replaced by MEP Millénnaire)
Gallery
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