Tramway international: Construction of a new tramway system in Mulhouse

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Mulhouse is the chief city of an arrondissement of the Haut-Rhin département in France, of which it is a sous-préfecture and very close to Basel in Switzerland. Although the city is by far the most populous in Haut-Rhin, its préfecture (capital) resides in the smaller commune of Colmar.

Contruction of a new tramway system for Mulhouse

Tram construction gallery

the pictures

Tram inauguration day

see it

An innovative tram-train system
The Mulhouse agglomeration decided in 2002 to launch work on a project for a light rail based on the innovative tram-train system. Two linked urban lines will serve the entire and dense agglomeration. They will be completed by a third line designed to connect with the Thur valley’s rail infrastructure, in order to serve this vast suburban basin and to link it directly to Mulhouse’ city-centre.

Aim: to connect with the rail network
During the first phase, two urban lines were opened in May 2006; extensions are planned for 2008/2012. Work on the tram-train line will be launched in 2007, so it can be opened in 2010. A modernized company to operate a new network: Soléa has also totally re-planned and updated its bus network, developed its fare range and its entire organization, while launching a new visual identity.

More than 1,000 trees have been planted in the city alongside the two tramway lines. It also runs on grass in many neighbourhoods, more particularly on the east/west line (80% of the line covered in grass). Art works have also been put along the two lines. French artist Daniel Buren has already set his "arches" made of steel and bright colors along the east/west line. Tramway service started on 13th of May 2006.