MP-68

The MP-68 is the first rubber-tyred train model of the Mexico City Metro, designed and built by Alstom in France. In total 60 trains were built, with nine cars each, and they run on lines 5 and B of the Mexico City Metro. It is the fourth rubber-tyred train model manufactured in series in France, and successive restorations have allowed it to remain in service for more than 50 years. After analyzing alternatives, Mexico City contracted the French company Alsthom, choosing rubber-tyred trains for their smooth ride and low noise, with the MP 59 as the base of the model; the first group was manufactured in the workshops of Fontenay and the second in La Rochelle. Initially they operated with six cars, later lengthened to nine for a length of 150 metres. Two trains suffered an accident at Viaducto station on Line 2 on 20 October 1975, after which an automatic piloting system was installed on all trains. A progressive restoration of the whole fleet began in 1995, carried out by Bombardier-Concarril, and the programme ended in 2000.