Métro léger de Tunis
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| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Locale | Tunis |
| Transit type | Light rail |
| Number of lines | 8 |
| Number of stations | 66 (2009) |
| Operation | |
| Began operation | 1985 |
| Operator(s) | Société des transports de Tunis |
| Technical | |
| System length | 32 km (19.9 mi) |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
| Electrification | Overhead lines, 750 V DC |
The Métro léger de Tunis (also Tunis Métro, Tunisian Arabic: المترو الخفيف لمدينة تونس, el-metrū el-khfīf li-mdīnat tūnis) is an expanding public transportation network for the Tunis area that was started in 1985. It represents not a subterranean transit system but a light rail network.
Metro leger's light rail system has its track at surface level generally with its own rail bed, but at key intersections, the system goes underground to avoid congestion or has the right of way. Together with the TGM rail line it is managed by the parastatal transport authority Société des transports de Tunis (Transtu).
While once a number of African cities had traditional electric tram systems, all but the Alexandria Tram were discontinued. The Metro leger's modern light rail system was originally unique for Africa, but there are now modern trams in Algeria and Morocco, as well.
Tunis had an older electric tram system that, like in many cities, eventually was dismantled. With the growth of the Tunis area the need for a commuter transportation system became evident leading to the decision to link the city with its suburbs by a modern light rail system. The system was delivered as a turnkey operation by a consortium led by Siemens. The Société du métro léger de Tunis (SMLT) was founded in 1981 to manage the operation. Construction on Line 1 started the same year and was completed by 1985 when passenger service commenced. In 1989 Line 2 was placed into operation, and Line 3 and 4 followed the next year. Line 5 became operative in 1992; the same year Line 3 was extended to its current length. In 1997 the extension of Line 4 was inaugurated, and further construction for an extension to La Manouba was started in 2007. The Société des transports de Tunis took over management in 2003; it was formed by joining the SMLT and the Société nationale de transports (SNT, founded in 1963) that was responsible for the TGM railway. A new Line 6 was planned to link Tunis with El Mourouj and its construction began in 2005. The completion of this new line finished in 2009. New Citadis trains from Alstom to supplement the earlier Siemens trains were introduced in 2007.
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