Lyon Tramway Network Expands with T6 Line Extension
Lyon’s public transportation network received a significant boost on , with the official extension of the T6 tram line. The 5.4-kilometer extension connects the Hôpitaux Est-Pinel station to La Doua-Gaston Berger, a key hub for the Lyon Tech campus and the INSA Lyon engineering school. The project, seven years in the making, aims to improve connectivity in eastern Lyon and alleviate traffic congestion.
The expansion adds ten new, fully accessible stops to the T6 line, creating a direct link between the East Hospitals, Jules Grandclément square, the Gratte-Ciel area, and the university campus. The new route is expected to benefit students, healthcare workers, residents, and employees alike, streamlining travel across the eastern part of the city.
According to a press release, the extended T6 line now intersects with lines T3 and T7 at Gare de Villeurbanne, and connects with lines T1 and T4 at La Doua. Passengers can also transfer to metro line A at the Gratte-Ciel station.
A complete journey on the 12-kilometer line, from Debourg to Hôpitaux Est, now takes approximately 43 minutes. Trams will operate on a 10-minute frequency from 4:30 AM to midnight. Officials anticipate the extension will add 55,000 passengers per day to the T6 line’s ridership.
The project cost approximately EUR 175 million. The extension involved laying 22,000 meters of new track to ensure optimal conditions for the expanded service. The T6 line is now positioned as a crucial component of Lyon’s public transport infrastructure, designed to encourage greater use of public transportation and reduce reliance on private vehicles.
The Lyon tramway network, operated primarily by TCL, currently comprises eight lines, including the Rhônexpress airport connector. The original tramway system dates back to 1879, but the modern network began operation in 2001 with the opening of lines T1, and T2. Subsequent lines – T3, T4, T5, T6, and T7 – were added in phases, expanding the network’s reach and capacity.
The T6 line originally opened in November 2019. The recent extension represents a continued investment in Lyon’s public transportation system, reflecting a commitment to sustainable urban mobility. The expansion is expected to enhance the appeal of eastern Lyon, providing improved access to key amenities and employment centers.
The extension of the T6 tramway is part of a broader effort to improve public transport options in Lyon. Plans for two additional tram lines, T9 and T10, are also underway, signaling a continued focus on expanding and modernizing the city’s transportation infrastructure.
