In Lille, a test bench to trial metro trains in real-world conditions

Modernizing infrastructure to improve transport services

Forty years ago, Lille’s metro became the world's first automated metro system. In recent years, as ridership on the network has grown, the Métropole Européenne de Lille (MEL) has launched an investment plan to double its capacity, boost its performance and extend its lines.

To operate the line well, Keolis needed a test track to trial automated metro trains, particularly for maintenance operations. However, the size and constraints of the existing infrastructure didn’t allow for a dedicated test track.

To overcome this challenge, urban transport operator Keolis Lille Métropole and the Métropole Européenne de Lille designed an innovative solution: a test bench that functions like a mechanical conveyor belt.

The specifications were drawn up in 2010, and Spherea Test & Services was chosen to build this state-of-the-art technical facility. Design studies began in 2016, and product tests were conducted in 2021.

Innovation: a test bench that simulates real-world operating conditions

The concept behind the test bench is simple: a 26-meter-long track functions as a mechanical conveyor belt capable of simulating most situations encountered by a train. Beneath the train, the conveyor adopts the operational configurations (acceleration, braking, station arrival and more) required to perform the majority of maintenance tests: endurance tests, troubleshooting, safety checks, studies of intermittent outages (temporary and recurring issues) and more. Subsequently, other simulations, such as tests involving speeds over 36 kmph or curve navigation, are conducted on real tracks in another network workshop.

Simplified and streamlined operations

The test bench reduces the infrastructure required for testing, which takes place in the confined space of a workshop rather than on outdoor tracks. The result is a test quality level that is comparable to that obtained on real track and meets the safety, availability and performance requirements for rolling stock.

Commissioning expected in 2024

The design studies, equipment installation and construction of the test bench took several years: the test bed is over 26 meters long and sits on a two-meter-deep pit housing the complex train drive system. The test bed will be commissioned by the end of 2024.