Tramscape Tramway
Photographs
Charleroi,
Belgium
Charleroi is the
central town in an area of scattered industrial communities in
French-speaking Belgium and is dominated by the steel industry. The
smaller towns, predominantly to the north and west of Charleroi are
linked by the Vicinal tramway system, much of which runs on
single-track routes.
The first steps of an ambitious plan to upgrade several of the lines
to modern light rail standards have taken place with the introduction
of a short subway (at Beaux Arts) and elevated line (from Piges and
Beaux Arts to Gare du Sud) in central Charleroi.
Severe financial restrictions in this part of Belgium, suffering from
the decline of its staple industries, have mant that the scheme has
not progressed as quickly as initially intended and may ultimately be
limited to a restricted number of lines serving Charleroi itself.
At present, the planned ring around the city ends at Gare du Midi
(below), but will eventually be extended around the eastern side of
the inner area.
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