Скачать или смотреть Liège tramway officially opens with first service early on Monday

The first streetcar was packed to the rafters at 4:22 AM, creating a true Liège family atmosphere. Damien, the driver, was joined by his family, along with many Liégeois eager to be part of this symbolic moment for the Cité ardente.

Today's event, Monday, April 28, marks D-Day. Liégeois, commuters, and tourists can now board the streetcar between Sclessin and Coronmeuse. It's a nostalgic journey for those who remember the streetcar from 60 years ago.

The tramway has risen from the ashes today, after many setbacks and delays, and a change of strategy since the extensions to Seraing and Herstal were abandoned. Shopkeepers in particular suffered greatly from the organization of the work and the delays.

Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists will need to adjust to the presence of this new player in Liège's mobility system, as well as to the familiar and frequent "ding ding."
SHOTLIST
VS Tramway driver preparing the tramway.

SOUNDBITE (French) Damien Grenier, driver-instructor: "It's very emotional, yes. In four minutes, we're finally going to get out of this depot and be able to load the first passengers. I'm really excited about loading the Liégeois."

VS Arrival of the tramway

Journalist RTBF: "Are you the driver's mom?"

SOUNDBITE (French) Martine Hannot, driver's mother: "Yes, I'm the driver's mom."

Journalist RTBF: "An emotional moment, then?"

SOUNDBITE (French) Martine Hannot, driver's mother: "Yes, absolutely. A proud moment. So that's it. Happy for my son to be in this first spotlight."

SOUNDBITE (French) Damien Grenier, driver-instructor: "Welcome aboard this first streetcar. I wish you a pleasant journey on this first outing."

VS People screaming

VOXPOP (French) Young man: "I came with my family. We wanted to take the first tramway ride."

VOXPOP (French) Young lady: "We were happy to get up, we felt like we were going on vacation, but it's almost even better."

VOXPOP (French) Young man 2: "I asked my friends what they were doing on Monday at 04:22. They said nothing. I said, "Come and take the tramway, we'll be fine."

VOXPOP (French) Young man 3: "Now that's a party! We're here for the tramway!"

SOUNDBITE (French) Damien Grenier, driver-instructor: "It's weird to see so many people."

Journalist RTBF: "Were you expecting this?"

SOUNDBITE (French) Damien Grenier, driver-instructor: "Ah, no, not at all. No, not at all. Not at this hour."

VS Tramway in Liège

VOXPOP (French) Man: "Well, in terms of traffic flow and ecology too, I think it's a good thing. It was an essential issue at the time."

VS First dog of the tramway

VOXPOP (French) Young ladies: "It's her first trip, she's super calm, but she's used to trains and buses, so she's already a public transport dog. So there you have it, things are going well, and everyone is delighted to have seen the first dog on the streetcar today."

VS Tramway in Liège