The Métro Léger de Charleroi[1][2][3][4] (French pronunciation: [metʁo leʒe də ʃaʁləʁwa], abbreviated as MLC) is a 33-kilometre (21 mi) light rail[5][6] network in Belgium.

The system consists of a loop line around central Charleroi and three branches towards the suburbs of Gilly, Anderlues and Gosselies.

[7] The original plan was much more extensive with eight branches radiating from the central loop, by gradually upgrading the existing tram network with grade separated sections.

The completion and opening of the central loop in 2012 led to a significant reorganization of the metro/tram lines previously operating on the system.

[15] From 2012 on, all trams have been equipped with orange colored LED destination indicators, displaying the line number and final station.

Rectangle color used the following code: Beside this system, it happened that trams only displayed the terminus station as one of Charleroi-Sud (dark blue background) or Parc (green), without line number.

An onboard system warns the driver in case of overspeed, and will stop the tram abruptly in absence of reaction.

Station entrances are marked with a stylized white "M" on a blue background, identical to the symbol used by the Brussels metro.

Charleroi's LRV cars are bi-directional articulated trams which were supplied by La Brugeoise et Nivelles (BN) (with ACEC providing the motors and the electrical/electronic components) from 1980 to 1982.

Most trams carry the distinctive bright yellow, red and grey livery of TEC Charleroi and are identified by a 4 digit number starting with 74.

Prior to that date, several trams were still wearing the old SNCV livery with an orange bottom and beige top separated by a blue line (with a 4-digit fleet number starting with 61).

The Charleroi metro was planned in the 1960s as a 52 km (32 mi) network, consisting of eight branch lines radiating from a central downtown loop and no less than 69 stations.

The metro network was meant to offer trams a second life by providing a fast and comfortable mass transit system, while removing them from the street.

As a general rule, plans called for tracks to be at ground level, on dedicated infrastructure (separated from the street).

If not possible, priority was given to viaducts, and tunnels were considered as the last option, except in Charleroi downtown or in densely populated areas.

The remaining stations on the Anderlues branch (Providence, De Cartier, Moulin and Fontaine) were opened on 22 August 1992.

The completion of the downtown loop involved a comprehensive reorganization of the lines and the introduction of new numbers (M1, M2 and M4) and colors, and the inauguration of the now "Charleroi Metro".

This northern branch is served by a new line, dubbed "M3" (yellow color), which is how it is now depicted on official maps and on station signage.

Sometimes special journeys were organized to the station Centenaire on the colloquially named „Métro Fantôme“ (ghost metro), like on 19 March 2017.