On April 10, 2025, a significant disruption affected all four metro lines of the TCL network in Lyon, causing a complete halt in service due to a computer system failure. The breakdown began at approximately 17:45, just hours before the much-anticipated Europa League match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and Manchester United, scheduled to kick off at 21:00. With an expected record attendance of around 60,000 spectators, the timing of this incident raised concerns about access to the Groupama Stadium.
The TCL operator initially estimated that full service would resume by 20:00. However, as the situation unfolded, some lines began to see a gradual return to operation. By around 18:20, TCL announced that traffic was resuming on metro lines B and C, while line A also began to operate again shortly thereafter. The situation remained fluid, with irregular service reported on these lines.
At 18:18, metro line B resumed operations, albeit in a staggered manner, while line C followed suit. However, line D continued to experience disruptions, with service only operating between Gare de Vénissieux and Saxe-Gambetta. The complete restoration of line D was confirmed to occur by 20:00, marking the end of the widespread service interruption.
In response to the breakdown, TCL implemented 15 relay buses to provide alternative transportation options. These buses were deployed to ensure continuity of travel, particularly from Bellecour to Eurexpo, and to assist fans heading to the stadium. The prefecture of Rhône also advised supporters to use metro line A to reach Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie, followed by shuttle buses and trams to the venue.
Laurent Prud'homme, the director general of Olympique Lyonnais, acknowledged the challenges posed by the metro failure, reminding fans to plan their journeys accordingly. "We are expecting a record attendance tonight, and we urge all supporters to allow extra time for travel," he stated. The club also communicated to fans via social media, emphasizing the importance of using the alternative transport arrangements.
The breakdown sparked a range of reactions on social media, where users expressed frustration over the timing of the outage, especially given the large number of fans arriving for the match. One passenger, Jeanne, recounted her experience of being evacuated from a stalled train and described the chaos as passengers scrambled to board the relay buses.
As the evening progressed, TCL continued to update the public on the status of the metro lines. By 19:24, the operator issued an apology to travelers for the inconvenience caused by the breakdown, assuring them that technical teams were actively working to identify the cause of the incident and that computer tests were still ongoing.
The last major disruption of this nature occurred on October 6, 2022, when a similar breakdown affected all metro lines for approximately five hours. The swift response from TCL this time, including the deployment of relay buses, was crucial in mitigating the impact of the outage on fans and commuters alike.
In summary, the computer system failure that halted metro services in Lyon on April 10 posed significant challenges for thousands of commuters and football fans alike. While the situation was resolved relatively quickly, with most lines resuming service before the match, it served as a reminder of the importance of reliable public transport, especially during major events.
