The line uses the APS third rail system for 1.9 km (1.2 mi) around Reims Cathedral,[2] minimising visual intrusion in the historic city centre.

[6] Initial studies into the potential of a tramway began in 2003, as a consequence of an overcrowded bus network and the impacts this was having on the historic centre of Reims.

[7] In July 2006, financing, construction and management of the future line was delegated to a private concessionary consortium, called MARS (Mobility in the Agglomeration of ReimS).

This consortium is composed of the vehicles' builder Alstom, the network operator Transdev, five roadwork enterprises and three pension funds.

[8] Construction of the tramway began in May 2008, with the first tram arriving in March 2010, which allowed for testing and commissioning of the line in September 2010.