Hurtling through Lille, the Tram route 1, affectionately nicknamed the Mongy, carries more than just passengers. It carries the echoes of a city’s past and the promise of its future. The Tram route 1 isn’t just a mode of transportation. It’s a living testament to Lille’s enduring spirit, a steel artery pulsing with the rhythm of life. This tramway, established in 1909, stands as one of the last two lines of a once-extensive network. It connects the heart of Lille to its neighboring communities, Roubaix and Tourcoing.
The Tram route 1 whispers stories of Alfred Mongy, the visionary engineer who birthed these interurban lines. He designed the lines to gracefully follow the boulevards, offering picturesque views of the city. This unique feature saved the Mongy from demolition when Lille’s metro system expanded. While other tram lines faded into the annals of history, the Mongy persisted, becoming a backbone of Lille’s public transport.
Originally, the Tram route 1 terminated on the street outside the Opéra de Lille. However, a transformation occurred in 1994. The tracks were diverted into a tunnel, leading to an underground terminus at the Gare de Lille Flandres. This change provided a seamless interchange with both metro lines. The Tram route 1, with its 36 stations, stretches over 17.5 kilometers. It runs primarily on reserved tracks within the boulevards, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey.
The early 1990s witnessed a significant renovation of the Mongy. Sleek, low-floor Breda VLC trams were introduced, modernizing the system. The metre-gauge tracks, electrified at 750 volts DC, power these trams. These modern trams are soon to be replaced by new Alstom trams, ordered in 2023, a sign of Lille’s commitment to maintaining a state-of-the-art transport system. The Tram route 1, operated by Ilévia, shares a common ticketing system with Lille Metro and the city’s bus routes, creating a unified and accessible public transport network. As you ride the Tram route 1, remember that you’re not just traveling through Lille. You’re traveling through time, experiencing a connection to the city’s rich history and its dynamic present.