Funiculars of Lyon

Of the five lines once in existence, only the two routes on the Fourvière hill remain in operation, with the rest of the network now either closed, converted to road vehicle use, or integrated within the Lyon underground system.

No fewer than five funicular lines, nicknamed ficelles ("threads") were built.

According to the definition of a rapid transit system given by French dictionaries – "electric traction railway, partially or totally underground, serving a large urban area" – Lyon can claim to have one of the world's first rapid transit lines, as the Terme funicular, which meets these characteristics, was opened in 1862, six months before the first section of the Metropolitan Railway in London.

This refurbishment included a revised livery, brighter and more open carriages, the carriages had a wheelchair space created, and new AC motors installed to replace the old DC motors.

It operated on the single track line from Saint-Jean to the Basilique de Fourvière.