Naples Metro Metropolitana di Napoli
Info
Owner	Comune di Napoli (Municipality of Naples)
Locale	Naples
Transit type	Metro system and Suburban rail transport
Number of lines	7+3 (planned)
Number of stations	69
Daily ridership	470,000 daily (2005)[citation needed]
Operation
Began operation	1889 (23 March 1993)
Operator(s)	Metronapoli
Technical
System length	53.8 km (33.4 mi)

The entrance to Stazione Medaglie d'Oro at Arenella, on Line 1.

Metropolitana di Napoli (Naples Metro) is the metro system serving the city of Naples, Italy. It includes six underground rapid transit railway lines, a commuter rail network, and four funicular lines, with planned upgrading and expansion work underway. It is usually referred to simply as la Metro ('The Metro') by Neapolitans.

With an urban population (central area) of approximately 1,000,000 inhabitants, Naples is Italy's third most populated (after Rome and Milan), but the second metropolitan area of Italy after Milan with 4.434.136 ^[1]. As of 2005 the daily ridership on the Metropolitana di Napoli was 470,000 (29 million per year), but following the planned network expansions, this is expected to rise to over 700,000 per day by 2011.^{[citation needed]}

A major project is now underway to restructure the city's transport system and to connect the existing lines into one integrated network. It aims at a system with a total of ten lines, new interchange stations and enhanced parking areas. In addition, the four existing funicular lines that connect the hillside suburb of Vomero with the city centre will also become connected with the urban lines.

With 53.8 km (33.42 miles) of track and 69 stations currently operating and more due to open as part of the expansion plans, the Metropolitan di Napoli network is the 30th largest urban rail network in Europe, and the 77th largest in the world. It is the second largest in Italy after Metropolitana di Milano (Milan).^[2]

The network is coordinated by Regione Campania through l' Agenzia Campana per la Mobilità Sostenibile (Campania Agency for Sustainable Mobility). The integrated tariff system which allows travel across all forms of public transport within Naples and is one of the most advanced in all of Italy, is managed by the UnicoCampania consortium.^[2]

[edit] History

The inauguration of Italy's first railway between Naples and Portici in 1839.

The first railway in Naples was the Naples–Portici line, which was 7.640 km long and was inaugurated on October 3, 1839, only nine years after the opening of the world's first inter-city railway - the Liverpool and Manchester Railway.

By the late 19th century competing private enterprises had established various lines, primarily crossing the city east to west, with poor access to northern suburbs.

In 1911 construction on the urban section of the Naples to Rome railway, the Passante line was commenced, and although it was suspended for the duration of World War I, the line was eventually opened on 28 September 1925. This urban section of the Ferrovie dello Stato (State Rail) Naples-Rome line is being incorporated as a part of Line 2.

During the fascist era of 1922 to 1939, much enhancement work was done to railways in Naples.

The metropolitan rail network of Naples was previously made up of five urban and some suburban lines which were poorly connected with each other: Ferrovia Cumana and Circumflegrea, Ferrovia Circumvesuviana, Ferrovia Alifana (now MetroCampania Nord-Est) and Metropolitana Trenitalia.

An example of Metropolitana di Napoli rolling stock in 1996.

The idea of a fully integrated urban rail network for Naples was first proposed in the 1950s as part of the post-war regeneration of the damaged city. Formulated plans were first made in the 1960s, but funding, planning and development problems and crime and corruption all caused long delays. Construction first began in 1976, and it was hoped that a line connecting central Naples to Stadio San Paolo in Fuorigrotta would be completed in time for the 1990 FIFA World Cup competition in which Naples was a host city. A 2.2 km deep level section with two stations at the western end of the line was completed in 11 months, however safety licenses were not granted to the construction firm, Ansaldo, in time, so the line was not able to operate during the World Cup.^[3]

Naples' first rapid transit line finally opened on 23 March, 1993. Initially called the Metropolitana Collinare ('Hill Subway') it ran for 4 km between Colli Aminei stazione and Vanvitelli stazione. Two years later in 1995 the line was extended to reach Piscinola stazione giving an overall track length of 8 km.^[4]

Although progress had been made from the early setbacks and problems, it was still apparent by 1997 that the network suffered badly from the lack of network integration and poor connections, as well as the fact that large areas of Naples were not close to stations. An increasingly disillusioned public had turned away from a rail network centred on Naples that was the envy of Europe in the late 19th century, and as a result Naples had become notorious for its horrendous traffic problems that were becoming crippling to the city. In 1997 the Comune di Napoli government drew up a new Piano Comunale dei Trasporti di Napoli (Naples City Transport Plan) which called for a review of the network, improved controls over maintenance expenditure and general finances, a new tariff control system and better management of the urban rail network of Naples.^[3]

The Line 1 platform at Stazione Cavour.

The transport plan called for a three phase major redevelopment. Phase 1 would involve an expansion to a total of five lines, including major redevelopment of Line 1, and take the network up to 53 km of track (45 km of existing lines), with 68 stations (23 newly built), and 12 interchange nodes, to be completed by 2001. Phase 2 was designed to increase the network to 7 lines, with 84 stations, and 16 interchange nodes, plus 10 bus interchanges, to be completed by 2007. Phase 3 would see the network expanded to 10 rail lines with 93 km of track, and a further 30 km of new light rail (tram lines) linking 114 stations, with 21 interchanges, and 24 bus interchanges to be completed by 2011. The plan called for 70% of Neapolitans to be living within 500 metres of a transport access point by 2011.^[4]

In conjunction with the regional government of Campania, the comune government of Naples incorporated a new fully state-controlled joint-stock corporation called Metronapoli, which is 99% controlled by the comune and 1% controlled by Azienda Napoletana Mobilità, with a mission statement of: 'providing an efficient public rail transport service of quality to the city'.

Metronapoli took over control for running the urban rail transport network of Naples as part of a planned massive re-invigoration of public transport in the Campania region On 1 February 2001. The regional government announced a revoluzione di ferro (rail revolution) which involved a planned expansion of the region's network at a cost of €3.8 billion euros, and would see the construction of 1,400 km of new tracks and 80 new stations for a total of 423 stations on the network within Campania.

The upgrading of the Metropolitana di Napoli has not just been through better integration of the network, but also the visual appearance of the stations, including the addition of modern art works.

On 3 December 2005, the CIPE, (Interdepartmental Committee for Economic Planning) announced over €600 million worth of funding to be spent the Metropolitana di Napoli network. €323 million was allocated for Montesanto stazione (Line 5 and Line 7), €61.1 million for Giornate interchange (Line 1, Line 5, and Line 7), with both projects to be completed by 2010, as well as €119.7 million to be spent to improve the section of Line 1 between Capodichino stazione and Centro Direzionale and €100 million for the San Pasquale stazione to Municipio stazione section.^[5]

Metronapoli announced On 4 January 2006, that the Line 1 interchange for Centro Direzionale stazione, including a new line extension to Dante stazione was scheduled to open in 2008. A further announcement in July 2006 informed the public that the Piscinola stazione to Capodichino stazione section of Line 1 had been contracted out to private tender.^[5]

From 23 December, 2006 to 20 February, 2007 a special exhibition of models and multimedia presentations was held at Castel dell'Ovo to showcase all of the planned improvements to the Metropolitana di Napoli network, and was extremely well received by Neapolitans.

[edit] Metronapoli

Metronapoli is the new Neapolitan public transport management company. Founded on 26 July 2000 as a fully state-controlled joint-stock corporation, it became operational on 1 February 2001. It is owned and controlled by two entities: the Comune of Naples, which owns 99% of shares, and the Azienda Napoletana Mobilità (ANM) (Napoletana Mobility Company), which owns the remaining 1%. Metronapoli and Trenitalia manage and operate the Metropolitania di Napoli. Rete Ferroviaria Italiana is responsible for the management and maintenance of infrastructure, such as rails and signals.^[6]

Metronapoli is currently responsible for the transport services and maintenance of Line 1 and Line 6, pedestrian subways, and the funicular railways, (Chiaia, Mergellina and Montesanto). Metronapoli is also responsible for developing the various interchange links of Line 1 with Line 2 and the funicular railways, and is working with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples to ensure all development work is done in accordance with procedures to ensure the protection of historic monuments and archaeological remains.^[2]

[edit] Infrastructure

The Metropolitana di Napoli public network map, as released by Comune di Napoli.

[edit] Stations & lines

The Metropolitana di Napoli currently operates on seven lines, with a further three planned to open soon as part of the network expansion. Two lines (Line 1 and Line 6) run on dedicated lines operated by Metronapoli, and the others are operated by Trenitalia (Line 2), Circumvesuviana (Line 3 and Line 4), and SEPSA (Line 7).^[2]

The network is complemented by four funicular cabel railways that connect the elevated Vanvitelli stazione with sea level areas at Fuga (Central Funicular), Cimarosa (Chiaia Funicular) and Morghen (Montesanto Funicular). The fourth, Mergellina Funicular line runs between Manzoni stazione and Mergellina stazione. Two further funicular lines are being planned.^[2]

When the planned expansion works are completed by 2011, the network will run on a total of ten lines.

For a complete list of Metropolitana di Napoli stations, see: List of Naples metro stations.

[edit] Funicular lines

Under the previous transport arrangements of Naples, there were four funicular lines - Central funicular, Chiaia funicular, Mergellina funicular, and Montesanto funicular. All of these connect the old town of the city centre with the hilltop suburbs and are necessary due to the extremely steep gradient with which the hills rise. The oldest of these inclined cable-railways (the Montesanto, connecting Vomero with the city centre) has been operating since 30 May 1891. The four funicular lines serve 16 stations and currently provide transport for over 60,000 passengers each day.^[2]

As part of the plan to better integrate the public transport of Naples, all four furnicular lines will connect with Metropolitana lines in order to provide better connection services. Vanvitelli stazione is expected to become a connection hub of three of the funicular lines, providing direct connections to Line 1.

[edit] Circumvesuviana

A train arrives at Pompei Scavi station.

The Circumvesuviana is a narrow-gauge railway connecting cities and towns near Naples, Italy. Its tracks run around the base of Mount Vesuvius, hence the name, though they do not in reality completely encircle it. There are 96 stations in total on the network, and 138 km of track. The line uses the 950 mm gauge, and the maximum speed is 90 km/h. Some trains stop at all stations on a particular route, others are 'fast' trains and stop at only the main stations.

In 2001 the Circumvesuviana system was incorporated into the Metropolitana di Napoli as part of the integration programme. Already consisting of 96 stations and 138 km of track, the Circumvesuviana will form a major part of the new Metropolitana di Napoli network.

[edit] Rolling stock

• four-car Class ALe724 electric units

[edit] Planned improvements and expansion

Starting in 2001, a major programme of extensive expansion and development was undertaken. Azienda Napoletana Mobilità took responsibility for the Piano Comulane dei Trasporti di Napoli (Naples City Transport Plan), which was the localised segment of the overall plan to improve and better integrate public transport throughout the Campania region. Entitle MetroCampania, the project aims to create a regional metro service which by 2010, should consist of 1400 kilometres of track connecting 423 stations, including 28 interchange parking lots and 21 train-bus interchange nodes. The overall cost of the project has been budgeted at 3.886 billion euros.^[2]

PHASE 1 (2001)^[2]

• Brought the network up to five functioning lines
• Almost completion of Line 1
• Network length of 53 km (although 45 km of converted track from other railways, and the abandoned tram sections)
• An increase to 68 stations, 23 of which were newly built, and 12 new interchange nodes

PHASE 2 (2007)^[2]

• Brought the network up to seven functioning lines
• An increase to 84 stations, 16 interchange nodes, and 10 bus to metro interchanges

PHASE 3 (2011)^[2]

• To bring the network up to 10 functioning lines
• Line 1 and Line 6 redevelopments complete
• Line 7, Line 8, Line 9, Line 10 open and operating
• Network length to reach 93 km, plus 30 km of street light rail (trams) for an overall network of 123 km
• An increase to 114 stations, 21 interchanges, and 24 bus to metro interchanges

[edit] Travelling

[edit] Fares

A train arriving at the station.

The original Giranapoli system was replaced in 2001-02 with a new automated system. The current fare structure for the Metropolitana di Napoli is a universal system across all forms of public transport in the city and the region of Campania as a whole. Therefore tickets are valid for use on all buses, funiculars, metro and local railways in Naples and adjacent municipalities. The universal system is referred to as 'Uniconapoli', a sub-branch of 'Consorzio Uniconcampania'.^[4]

The whole province is divided into six concentric zones labeled as zones 0-5, expanding outwards from Naples itself (zone 0).^[2]

Tickets are sold by station booking-offices and kiosks, and need to be validated when first used. Every station on the network is now either equipped with automated ticketing machines, or being upgraded to incorporate them. These machines are all multi-lingual in Italian, English, French, German and Spanish.

These prices were current as of 1 October, 2008.

More detailed information on fares and ticketing can be found on the Consorzio Uniconcampania website here.

A smartcard ticketing operation has been planned for introduction to the network, that may operate in a similar fashion to London Underground's Oystercard.

[edit] Operations

Metropolitana di Napoli services are regular and reliable. Trains operate from 6:00 until 23:00 every day of the year. Trains are scheduled to arrive at each station every 8–10 minutes, except during morning and evening rush hours, when they arrive every 6 minutes, and after 21:00 when they arrive every 15 minutes.

[edit] Artwork

An example of the Contemporary Art installations that can be found at various stations on Linea 1. This work can be seen at stazione Materdei.

Line 1 (Linea 1) has been dubbed 'Il Metrò dell'Arte' (The Art Metro) by Metronapoli as six stations have been upgraded to exhibit works of art. This includes both permanent exhibits, and the provision for temporary displays. It is intended that this theme will continue as more of the planned stations on Line 1 are opened.

Museum station (Museo stazione) also displays archaeological remains and exhibits that were unearthed during the construction of the station, and others have been transferred to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli (Naples National Archaeological Museum) above the station, for which it is named.^[7]

Another initiative recently begun on the Metropolitana di Napoli has been the project to provide free books for riders on the network.^[8]

[edit] See also

• List of Naples metro stations
• List of rapid transit systems

[edit] Notes

[edit] External links

This article's external links may not follow Wikipedia's content policies or guidelines. Please improve this article by removing excessive or inappropriate external links. (October 2009)

• Official site of the Metropolitana di Naples (Italian)
• Urbanrail.net Naples rail website
• Mobility Plan of the Municipality of Naples
• Metroitaliane: page dedicated to Metro Napoli (Italian)
• amateur site on the public transport system in Naples
• MondoTram: Tram in the world with a section on Naples, a forum and many news
• site that lists all existing metropolitan Italy (Italian)
• Subway napoli.htm of Naples
• Naples Metro Gallery
• Interactive map of the metropolitan Naples
• Circumvesuviana, official website (Italian)