(France )LILLE-L1

Images kindly supplied by Transpole. (Thanks)

Lille: VAL 208 on viaduct

Lille
In 1983 it was opened the first section of the automated metro in the city of Lille (VAL), with a new track linking 4 Cantons and Republique. One year later (02-05-1984) the entire Line 1 was in service from C.H.R.B- Calmette and 4 Cantons, passing throught the central railway station (Gare Lille Flandres).
In 1989 (on the 3 of April) Line 2 starded its service from St.Philibert to Gare Lille Flandres; a new addiction was completed in 1994 (to the new TGV railway station Gare Lille Europe), followed by the Fort de Mons section in 1995. Other two addictions opened in 1999 (linking Tourcoing-Centre) and 2000 (linking C.H. Dron).
The whole track of Lines 1 and 2 is now more than 45 km long (with more than 60 stops); it's articulated in two radial lines with a consistent developement in Lille suburban area. The 2 lines join each other in the city center at Gare de Flandres and Porte de Postes, creating two central sections. One is eminently radial (line 1) while the other (line 2) links many of the old city gates (Porte de Postes, Porte d'Arrais, Porte de Ouai, Porte de Valenciennes).
Line 1 and 2 assure a remarkable railway interchange. Besides the common stop at Gare Lille Flandres, Line 2 links Gare Lille Europe Station, while both lines stop at many regional railway stations. The cars park and ride and interchange is warranted by important parking areas (expecially at Calmette, 4 Cantons and St. Philibert).
Transpole (official site)

Country	France
Line	Line 1
Inhabitants	City 190.000, District 1.150.000
Date opening:	1983
Future development:	C.H.R. B.-Calmette-Wattignies
Length (km)	13.5
Track sections (km):	underground km 8.5
Stops	18, average distance 800 m
Platform doors	yes
General characteristics	dimensions (m) length 26; width --
n. of vehicles	143 (83 VAL 206+60 VAL 108)
n. of cars per vehicle	2
Type	rubber tyres
Vehicle dimensions (m)	length 26, width 2,06/2,08
Vehicle capacity	156
Frequency (max/min)	1,5'/8'
Current/Voltage	--
Guide/gauge	standard gauge (1435 mm) steel tracks with lateral guide bars
Speed (km/h)	comm 34, max 80
Accel./Decel. (m/sec2)	--
System capacity	15000 pphpd
Ridership	48.6 millions pax/year
Total cost	42 M Euro/km
Staff n.	285 (Line 1+Line 2)
System builder	SIEMENS
Model	VAL 206, VAL 208
NOTE	Matra system (now Siemens) max vertical gradient: 7% rolling stock: 83 VAL 206 + 60 VAL 208