The tram project in Vitoria has been under discussion since 1996, but it was not until 23 December 2008 that the line opened, between Angulema and Lakuabizkarra. In March 2009, the second branch opened between Honduras and Abetxubo. The first branch was further extended to Ibaiondo. Now the network thus forms a 7.2km "Y" with branches entering the city center from the northwest. A journey on the Ibaiondo branch takes approximately 17 minutes end to end, and 20 on the Abetxuko branch. Each branch has 6 stations, with 6 more on the trunk. Funding of €100 million was provided to 65% by the Basque government whose seat is in Vitoria, and then equally between the municipality of Vitoria and the province of Alava. The rolling stock was built by CAF, in its factories in Irun and Beasain, and its green and gray livery is the same as the Eusko-tran in Bilbao. The trams have 5 sections carried on three trucks articulated. The fleet consists of 10 trams numbered 501-510. Each section of the tram is lettered (e.g. for tram 501, 501A (with front truck) 501B (without intermediate truck), 501C (with central truck and pantograph), 501D (without intermediate truck), and 501E (with front truck). The trams can accommodate 244 passengers with 52 seated, and their max speed is 50km/h (but restricted to 30km/h in the city). Service frequency is 15 minutes on the branches and every 7/8 minutes on the trunk line. A very clever system displays lights above the stations, indicating time in minutes for the next tram. Figures displaying alternately red for the city center tram, white for Abetxuko, and green for Ibaiondo terminus. The line is planned to be extended to the university and to the airport.

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Image 107246 (405k, 1044x705) Photo by: Thierry Leleu Location: Europa	Image 107269 (282k, 1044x705) Photo by: Thierry Leleu Location: Legebiltzarra Parlamento	Image 107276 (374k, 1044x705) Photo by: Thierry Leleu Location: Antso Jakituna/Sancho el Sabio	Image 108167 (223k, 1024x714) Photo by: Hodei Goldarazena Collection of: Jean-Pierre Vergez	Image 108175 (191k, 1044x706) Photo by: Jean-Pierre Vergez Location: Legebiltzarra Parlamento

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By Thierry Leleu.