RATP Dev, a subsidiary of the leading urban transport operator RATP Group, recently launched the first line of the Algiers metro system.

The 9-km long line makes Algiers the first city in the Maghreb to boast a heavy metro system on the entire African continent.

In 2009, RATP Dev set up a local subsidiary, RATP El Djazaïr. The subsidiary has first completed the pre-operations phase and will run and maintain Line 1 for an eight-year term starting November 1.

The metro already carried one million passengers during the first month of operation.

The metro’s 14 trains with six air-conditioned carriages will be stopping at ten stations and catering to six municipalities: Bachdjarah, El Magharia, Hussein Dey, El Hamma, Sidi M’Hamed and Algiers Centre.

The entry into service of the Algiers metro system illustrates the two-fold expertise of RATP Dev, which has demonstrated its technical know-how and ability to train operating staff, a statement said.

It has also ensured 500 nearly new jobs in the country, the statement added. – TradeArabia News Service