The Métro léger de Tunis 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 TGMrail line it is managed by the parastatal transport authority Société des transports de Tunis. 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.
History
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 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 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.
Network
, the Metro leger comprised a network of with 67 stations. It has a capacity to carry 600,000 passengers per day. There is an intersection with the Tunisian Railways' Tunis Gare Centrale at Place de Barcelone and with TGM at Tunis Marine. The lines are :
On October 2, 2007, a 2-year project started to extend Line 4 by 5.2 km to reach the Université de la Manouba. Further extensions are planned.
Tram vehicles
By 2006, 136 articulated passenger trams were in operation. They were built by Siemens, and delivered between 1984 and 1997. These trains were derived from the TW 6000 originally developed for Hanover Stadtbahn. The bi-directional trains are powered via a 750 V dc overhead wire and run on a track. The trams have a green livery with a white line. A train consists of two wagons each of which has:
In 2004, an agreement between the French and Tunisian governments led to the order of 30 new Citadis trams built by Alstom. Each train consists of two trams of 64 metre length to hold 208 people standing and 58 sitting. The first such trains started to operate on September 17, 2007. 16 more trams were ordered from Alstom in July 2010.
