Tramways are a generally a permanent fixture - their fixed infrastructure means they are not easily altered (even if the Lousia episode may prove otherwise). Occasionally they are abandoned but while the trams can be taken away the infrastructure is harder to eradicate. Brussels route 103 operated through Anderlecht from Erasmus Hospital to the City via CERIA (college), Bizet, Meir and Place Bara. In 1993 it was replaced by route 56 to SchaerbeekStation. It mainly used articulated cars though the single ended PCCs ran a peak hour shuttle to CERIA.
The outer ends of the line were to be replaced by a Metro. Firstly the Erasmus to St Nicholas section closed in 1999 having only operated since 1982. This was already segregated and eventually formed Metro line 1B (now 5). The Metro finally opened in September 2003 and the 56 was cut back to Debussy - now just a short stub terminus. In 2006 this was abandoned and the line diverted to continue to Marius Renard. It is now route 81. Much of the old route remains, however as the photos below show.
New Metro car 6221 on the former 1B route at Erasmus Hospital
Ceria Metro station is by the former temporary terminus at St Nicholas and Google Maps shows the route on a dedicated alignment for a short distance before emerging on Rue de Fraises.
"Campus Ceria" is quite a walk from CERIA Metro station. The trams terminated here prior to 1982 and a turning circle was built around the roads. A loop can still - just - be made out at the terminus (Avenue Emile Gryson). Back onto Rue de Fraises the route runs under the railway line. It then enters Place Ministre Wauters running either side of a tree lined square before splitting with a one way system round narrow streets.
The lines rejoined at Place de la Roue and here the lines seem well preserved in their cobbled streets.
The shot below shoes the lines approaching Bizet Metro station (the former terminus of the 1B) before heading up the street in the background to Debussy.
