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DESCRIPTION
Charleroi light metro network (MLC, Metro Leger Charleroi) is a typical premetro system (trams on reserved lanes, with underground sections in the central areas).
The initial ambitious plan (52 km long premetro network) was elaborated in the years '70s; it was based on a central ring (partially underground) surrounding the city centre, which had been the focus of 8 radial branches towards the main urban axis. Because of technical and economical difficulties (among them, the decline of the carboniferous industry), just a part of the central ring and only 2 radial branches have been initially completed (1983-1992); other infrastructures (some segments of the track and some stops) have been realized (partly or completely) without being operated.
In February 2012 the central ring was completed (Parc-Sud section, ground level and viaduct), while 3 new stops along Gilly branch (2 yet partially built: Marabout, Sart Culpart; 1 totally new: Soleimont) were activated. The opening of the Gosselies branch to the passengers traffic took place on June 2013 (it was before utilized as technical connection with the depot).