Rome Metro
The Rome Metro (often simply called Metropolitana by residents) is a underground public transportation system that operates in Rome, Italy. It was opened in 1955. There are currently two functional lines, the "line A " (identified by the orange color) and "line B" (blue). A third service, the green "line C", and a new branch of line B ("B1") are under construction. Plans have been revealed even for a fourth line ("D"). The current network (38km) has an X-shape with the two currently existing line intersecting at Stazione Termini, the main train station in Rome.
The Rome Metro is part of an extensive transport network made of a tramway, several suburban and urban railways in and around the city of Rome, plus an "express line" to Fiumicino Airport, Rome's main airport. Whereas most FR lines (Regional Railway) do provide a mostly suburban service, the Roma-Lido, the Roma-Pantano and the Roma-Nord lines offer a metro-like service, and shown as metro services in some maps.
Compared to other European capitals, the Rome's subway is less developed. Being one of the oldest city in the world, the construction of the subway encountered a lot of difficulties. In fact, the city of Rome is built upon a labyrinth of tunnels, catacombs, vaults, and ancient sewer systems. While constructing the first two lines, each excavation exposed archaeological remains and the construction had to be stopped to allow the local Soprintendenza Archeologica to check their significance, and alternate routes must be considered. The construction sites for the future line C have been marked "archaeological survey" from the beginning.
Construction on line C poses new challenges, especially in its downtown section. Many believe that only stairways and air vents will encounter ruins of archaeological interests because the trains will run 80 to 100 feet below ground (in general, foundations and archaeological finds are located near the surface), but it is not a unanimous opinion.
Rome's metro is also less attractive than most European mass transit systems, many of which are known for their elegance. Rome's stations are drab and utilitarian, and many trains have every inch covered in graffiti. Stations are well staffed and clean of litter, but maintenance is low.
Integrated public transportation tickets for the whole city network are available for purchase at some cafes and most tobacconists, as well as in Metro stations; they cost 1 Euro and are valid for one underground journey, plus seventy-five minutes from time of validation for overground transportation (bus and tram). Fines for traveling without a validated ticket are significant. The Metropolitana, especially Termini Station, is a notorious center for pickpockets; therefore, the authorities regularly advise exercising caution when using the metro.
October 17 2006 Piazza Vittorio accident
Maps
- Rome's metro and FR lines map (contained in a zip file)
- Underground and suburban lines
- Planned underground and suburban lines within 2020
- Planned underground and suburban lines on 1986
See also
References
External links
- Roma Metropolitane - Public transportations website (in Italian)
- The Public transport company of the city of Rome (in Italian)
- Rome's entry on the urban transport site Urban Rail (English)
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