It is a metre gauge system which runs underground in the city centre and further out on surface lines, which are mostly separated from motor vehicle traffic.This line was extended to reach Diamant and Plantin in 1980 and Van Eeden (via the Brabotunnel [nl] under the river Scheldt) in 1990.A north-eastern branch was opened in 1996, including the stations Sport, Schijnpoort, Handel, Elisabeth and Astrid, connecting to the existing line between Opera and Diamant.In the original plan a second axis was proposed from the south-western suburbs via Opera and Astrid to the eastern district Deurne.Additionally, two intermediate[clarification needed] stations along the Turnhoutsbahn (which currently are bypassed as a quasi-express service on lines 8 & 10) will be opened at Drink and Morckhoven.
Original plan
Construction of the premetro tunnels (November 1984)
Tram on Line 15 to
Mortsel
at
Meir
pre-metro station (September 2005)