The steepest Metro segment in the world, with a 17.4% (1 in 5.74) gradient.
Trainsets (2 cars) of Metro Line C of Lyon (Hotel de Ville-Cuire), seen at Croix-Paquet. Line C is the only one where iron-wheels and catenary are used. Lines A, B and D conversely use rubber-tyres and live rail.
The portion between Hotel de Ville and Croix-Rousse resorts to rack-rail. Until 1974, the segment between Croix-Paquet and Croix-Rousse was operated with an antiquated funicular.
Some time ago, it was planned to convert this line into a rubber-tyre Tram (TVR) of the same type as that in operation in Nancy. These plans have now been dropped.
31st December 2003.
P.L.Guillemin (plguillemin@yahoo.fr)