Line 1 (Naples Metro)

Line 1
Overview
Type	Rapid transit
System	Naples Metro
Status	In service
Locale	Naples, Campania, Italy
Stations	17
Operation
Opening	March 28, 1993 (1993-03-28)
Operator(s)	Metronapoli
Technical
Line length	15.3 km (9.5 mi)
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Route map

Line 1 (Italian: linea uno) is a rapid transit railway line, part of the Naples Metro in Naples, Italy. It connects 17 stations, and is operated by Metronapoli. The line is in the process of being upgraded. When the upgrading works are completed, Line 1 will connect 26 stations and form a circular loop, and bring easier access to the city centre for residents of Chiaiano, Piscinola, and Scampia. The line has been renamed Metrò dell'Arte (Metro of Art) because of the contemporary art works installed in its stations.

History

Planning for Line 1 began in 1963, when the Ente Autonomo del Volturno (EAV) proposed a new funicular line to connect Vomero with the Museum. However the Commissione Comunale dei Trasporti (Municipal Transportation Commission) decided to investigate alternative possibilities to a funicular line. After several years of discussions, in 1966 the EAV proposed the construction of a metro system connecting Piazza Matteotti with Piazza Medaglie d'Oro, with provision for further extension to the Hospital in Colli Aminei.

The following year the council approves the EAV's "white paper" for the project. By 1968 a commission had been undertaken to plan and study possible routes and station locations, and they determined that the subway would be about 4.5 km long and have 12 stations, with an average distance between stations of 375 m. On the day the project was due to be approved by the council, the EAV attempted to submit an updated version of the draft asking for concessions for construction and operation but was refused, and the project immediately stalled.

A further year and a half passed with no progress made. By 1971 the Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (Transport Agency of Milan) had become involved, assisting Azienda Napoletana Mobilità (Transportation Agency of Naples) in trying to formulate an alternative draft plan. Submissions made in both 1970, and 1971 for further funding towards construction were both refused. A breakthrough was achieved in 1972, with a funding of 42 million lire approved, on the proviso that the line be extended to connect Naples central railway station.

As a result of the breakthrough, in 1972, Metropolitana di Napoli was formed with 1,2 million lire of operating capital and a new revised proposal for the project was submitted. However, despite the earlier promises that were made, the Italian government decided to block the funds. By 1974 it was decided that the responsibility for funding the project should fall on the regional government, not the Italian government. A new budget of 10 million lire was made available. On Christmas Eve 1974, the new proposals were finally given approval. Between 1975 and 1977 the project was again delayed as an Interministerial Commission was conducted as part of governmental scrutiny processes. In 1976 the municipal council finally granted the money to implement the project and the foundation stone for Medaglie d'Oro station was laid on 22 December 1976.

In 1978 it was decided that the line could be extended to Scampia and Piscinola, and the funding was provided by the European Community. By 1980, the line had reached Piazza Vanvitelli, but on 23 November of that year, the Irpinia earthquake struck nearby Conza, causing terrible damage and loss of life. It was then advised that plans would have to be adapted to deal with possible future earthquakes. The European Union funded 33% of the total expenditure for this additions to the plans. However in the mid 1990s it emerged that elements of the Camorra had been involved in syphoning millions of lire of this funding.

In 1983 further funding issues continually blocked and delayed construction work, and in 1984 the council was forced to apply for loans for the continuation of construction. The following year the contract for the construction of the stretch from Colli Aminei to Piscinola proceeded, with funds allocated by the Comune di Napoli council and Campania regional government, and in May 1985 the stretch between Piazza Medaglie d'Oro and Colli Aminei. Between 1986 and 1988 sections of line from Colli Aminei to Vanvitelli, Piscinola and Salvator Rosa all opened.

After thirteen years of work, the first section of Line 1 opened on 23 March 1993. Planning first began in the 1963 and construction commenced in the 1985 between the stations of Vanvitelli and Colli Aminei. On 19 July 1995 it was extended to Piscinola - Scampia.

A large length of Line 1 runs along the coast of the Bay of Naples, and some is parallel to the ancient city wall. Much of the area through which it has been constructed is archaeologically rich, and many objects have been recovered during its construction. Currently these objects are displayed in Museo station, and it is planned for further such exhibits at Duomo and Municipio (both due to open in late 2013). The Duomo station is also expected to include the remains of an ancient Roman temple.^[1]

Line 1 platforms at Stazione Chiaiano.

In 2001, it was extended from Vanvitelli to Museo (at the National Archaeological Museum) where it connects with Piazza Cavour on Line 2 by a long underground walkway. It was extended to Dante in the heart of the city centre in 2002. An intermediate station was opened at Materdei in 2003, another one in Toledo, in September 2013, who wins the price as one of the most impressive and most beautiful european stations.

Future

The line is currently being extended to Trenitalia's main Naples station at Piazza Garibaldi, passing through the port area where it will interconnect with the proposed Line 6 at Municipio (Town Hall). This is due to open in 2013. Extension work is also underway between Piscinola and Capodichino (Naples International Airport). The extensions are planned to incorporate an 8-shaped inclinational loop which will climb up to 250m above the city centre, making it the steepest underground climb in the world.^[1]

A proposal exists for completing the circle between Capodichino and Piazza Garibaldi, due to open after 2013. A proposal for a spur line from Piscinola to Giugliano is under development.

Stations

See also

• Naples Metro
• Art Stations of the Naples Metro
• List of Naples metro stations
• List of metro systems

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Line 1 (Naples metro).

• Official site of the Metropolitana di Naples (Italian)
• Urbanrail.net Naples rail website
• Railways and metro station of Naples (Italian)

Notes

Urban public transport in Naples Metronapoli Naples Metro Line 1 (Naples Metro) Line 6 (Naples Metro) Funiculars Mergellina Funicular Chiaia Funicular Central Funicular Montesanto Funicular Other public transport ANM Trams Trolleybuses Commuter railways Trenitalia (Line 2) Circumflegrea Circumvesuviana Cumana Naples–Aversa