By Peter Ehrlich (about) (contact)
Until it closed for rebuilding on January 8, 2004,
Marseille had the longest continuously-operating tramway in France,
dating to 1876. However, by 1960, all lines except Route 68-Noailles
to St.-Pierre had been abandoned. The 3km long Route 68 was saved
because of its underground approach to Noailles through an
1893-vintage tunnel. Following rebuilding of the tunnel and the line
along Blvd. Chave in 1966, Route 68 was re-equipped with a small group
of double-end PCCs built by Belgium's La Brugeoise.
At this writing, the route is being rebuilt and three
new tram lines, to be served by low-floor cars, should open in 2007.
Marseille also has a 2-route rubber-tired Métro system.
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