The system comprises two lines, partly underground, serving 31 stations, with an overall route length of 22.7 kilometres (14.1 mi).

The system's MPM 76 trains use the rubber-tyred metro technology developed by the RATP for some lines of the Paris Métro.

The first plans for a metro system in Marseille appeared in the early years of the 20th century, following the opening of the Paris Métro.

Several proposals came immediately before and after the Second World War calling for modernizing the existing tramways with a network of lines running underground, but all were scrapped due to material shortages.

Instead, the system, so badly damaged by the conflict, was almost completely dismantled during the following decade and replaced by buses (with the exception of line 68).

A number of alternative concepts came forward at the time, including light rail or commuter train networks, but found no support among municipal authorities.

It was not until 1964, when a project calling for a construction of an underground metro line to replace the busiest bus routes, that interest was aroused among elected officials.

MPM 76 trains use the rubber tyre metro technology developed by the RATP for the Paris métro.

The metro system is operated by the Régie des Transports Métropolitains, on behalf of the Urban Community of Marseille Provence Métropole, which owns the infrastructure as well as the rolling stock.

A 900-metre (0.56 mi) long extension of line 2 to Capitaine Gèze was opened in December 2019, North of the current terminus station Bougainville.