Light Rail Transit Association   URBAN TRANSIT NEWS 2006

2006: France's year of the tram: In contrast to the situation in the UK, after building 10 new tramway systems in 20 years, France will see further expansion in 2006, with new systems opening in Mulhouse (13 May), Valenciennes (16 June) and Paris (December). Also due to open this year are new lines in Grenoble (20 May), Lyon (October), Montpellier (December) and St-Etienne (September), while Nantes will extend line 3 in October. Still to come are trams in Nice and Marseille (2007), Le Mans (2008), Toulon and Toulouse (2009) and Angers (2010), while the Mulhouse tram-train will open in 2011. Major extension projects are in progress in Bordeaux and Strasbourg (2007/8).

3 February 2006