Lille Metro

Infobox Public transit
name = Lille Metro

---

imagesize = 200px
locale = Lille
transit_type = Rapid transit
began_operation = 1983
ended_operation =
system_length = km to mi|45.2|abbr=yes|precision=1
lines = 2
vehicles =
stations = 60
ridership =
track_gauge =
reporting marks =
operator = Transpole
owner =

The Lille Metro ( _fr. Métro de Lille) is a driverless metro in and around Lille, France. The system was inaugurated on 25 April 1983 and was the first to use VAL ( _fr. véhicule automatique léger, _en. light automated vehicle) system.

The metro forms part of a mixed mode public transport system, combined with buses and trams operated under the "Transpole" brand and covering the Lille metropolitan area.

History

Construction started in 1978 and the first line was inaugurated on 25 April 1983 between the stations 4 Cantons and République. One year later, on 2 May 1984 the entire Line 1 was opened (13.5 km long, 8.5 km underground). The metro links the station C.H.R. B Calmette in Lille to 4 Cantons in Villeneuve d'Ascq via Gare Lille Flandres, with 18 stations altogether on the line. All stations have doors between the platform and the train.

Line 2 opened on 3 April 1989 and it reached C.H. Dron near the Belgian border on 27 October, 2000. The line is 32 km long with 43 stations.

Info

Trains are only 2 metres wide and 26 m long (two linked cars), and are rubber-tyred. There are 60 stations which go as far as the Belgian border. The metro platforms are 52 m long, long enough for two units. One unit can carry 156 passengers.

The metro operates from 5:00 until midnight, with trains every 1.5 - 4 minutes (1 min. during rush hour), and every 6 - 8 minutes early mornings and evenings. On Sundays there is a train every 4 - 6 minutes. The single fare costs 1.25 euros.

References

* [http://www.urbanrail.net/eu/lil/lille.htm urbanrail.net info]
* [http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/lille_val/ Lille VAL Automated Urban Metro]

ee also

* List of rapid transit systems
* Rubber-tyred metro

External links

* [http://www.transpole.fr/h/h_english.aspx Transport company's site]