The MP 59 is a rubber-tyred variant of electric multiple units used on the Paris Métro system and is the oldest type still in regular passenger service. Manufactured by a consortium between CIMT-Lorraine (body), Jeumont-Schneider, Alsthom and CEM (motors), they were first introduced in 1963 when the busiest routes of Lines 1 and 4 were converted to rubber-tyred pneumatic operation. The trains worked on Line 1 between 1963 and 2000 and Line 4 between 1966 and 2012.

The Paris Métro, operated by the Régie autonome des transports parisiens (RATP), is a rapid transit system in the Paris metropolitan area, France. A symbol of the city, it is known for its density within the capital's territorial limits, uniform architecture and unique historical entrances influenced by Art Nouveau. The system is 226.9 kilometres (141.0 mi) long, mostly underground. It has 308 stations of which 64 have transfers between lines. There are 16 lines, numbered 1 to 14, with two lines, Line 3bis and Line 7bis, named because they used to be part of Line 3 and Line 7, respectively. Line 1, Line 4 and Line 14 are automated. Lines are identified on maps by number and colour, with the direction of travel indicated by the terminus.