Push-pull working of suburban trains from Gare de Lyon has long been one of the duties of this class, though this is becoming rarer. The first thirty-six members of this class have not been adapted for push-pull operation, and can be often be found operating freight trains in the Toulouse area, where a large number have been based.

The units of this class operate suburban services out of Gare de Lyon, and also on the RER system. Those used on RER services have a four-character headcode panel attached to them for displaying the service route codes. These units have a stainless-steel bodyshell, and were introduced into service from 1965 onwards.

These locomotives were originally associated with Paris Gare de l'Est services, but have become increasingly common on Gare du Nord services in recent years. They began to be introduced into service in the early 1970's. In addition to the striking livery, most locomotives in this class carry attractive cast nameplates as well - as shown below for this one

A number of locomotives have been converted from class 16000 for push-pull working (as here in this picture) with new double-decker coaching stock - see below. Number 16101 was the first to be so treated, having been introduced in 1959 as number 16004.