Rome Metro

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Line A arriving at Termini

Line B leaving Circo Massimo

A Metropolitana train covered with graffiti

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 orange "line A " and the blue "line B". A third service, the green "line C", and a new branch of line B ("B1") are under construction. A fourth line ("D") has been planned. The current combined length of the lines is 38 km. The two existing lines, A and B, intersect at only one point, Stazione Termini, the main train station in Rome.

The Rome Metro is part of an extensive transport network made of a tramway network, several suburban and urban lines in and around the city of Rome, plus an "express line" to Fiumicino Airport, Rome's main airport. Whereas most FR lines (Ferrovia Regionale) do provide a mostly suburban service, the Roma-Lido, the Roma-Pantano and the Roma-Nord lines offer a metro-like service.

Compared to other European capitals, the Rome Metro is less developed. The metro is also much less attractive than most European mass transit systems, many of which are known for their elegance. 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 for the Metro compared to most subways. Each time excavation works for the Rome Metro expose archaeological remains, construction has to be stopped to allow the local Sopraintendenza Archeologica to check their significance, and alternate routes must be considered. Not surprisingly, given the wealth of archeologically significant material buried beneath Rome, this happens very often; indeed, current construction sites for line C have been marked "archaeological survey" from the beginning.

Construction on line C poses new challenges. Many believe that only stairways and air vents will encounter ruins because the trains run 80 to 100 feet below ground while foundations and archeological finds are located near the surface. This belief is superficial in its analysis. The city of Rome is built upon a labyrinth of known and unknown tunnels, catacombs, vaults, and ancient sewer systems, and the people of Rome are given to debate if nothing else. Any expectation that work will proceed as scheduled is not founded in the realities of Roman archeology or Italian culture.

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 one euro and are valid for one underground journey, plus seventy-five minutes from time of validation for overground transportation (bus and tram). Fines for travelling without a validated ticket are significant. The Metropolitana, especially Termini Station, is a notorious centre for pickpockets; therefore, the authorities regularly advise exercising caution when using the metro.