Metropolitana di Catania
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The Metropolitana di Catania is a subway system serving the city of Catania in Sicily. It has been in operation since June 27 1999 and consists of single line approximately 4 km long. The line is underground for most of its length (between the stations of Borgo and Galatea). Service frequency is limited to once every 15 minutes due to the fact that the line is single-track for almost half its length (between stations Galatea and Porto), hence trains operate as shuttles.
Construction history
The section of the line between the stations of Borgo and F.S. Centrale originally belonged to the Circumetnea narrow-gauge regional railway which was constructed in 1895. The line was converted to standard gauge and moved underground in a cut-and-cover tunnel except for the part of the route adjacent to the coast which remained on the surface. Another stretch of rail extends the line to the south from F.S. Centrale (the Central railway station of Catania) to the Porto station, at the port of the city. The original terminal of the Circumetnea at F.S. Centrale was moved to Borgo.
The Metropolitana and the Circumetnea are operated by the same company, which has its offices at Catania Borgo.
Current status and planned extensions
The metro currently suffers from poor ridership, as its current route merely skirts the city centre and therefore does not reach many popular destinations. Another reason for this is the service frequency limit of up to one train every 15 minutes, imposed by the single track. The system would have to be expanded before it can take up a more useful role.
An underground extension westward from the Porto terminus might alleviate the road congestion of Catania. Plans on the drawing board include an extension to the Fontanarossa airport of Catania. This proposal has been criticised as a link to the airport by means of a new station on the Catania-Siracusa line would appear to be more cost-effective. That line runs past the airport and is part of the national rail network. However, that solution would involve severe constraints in service frequency.
List of Catania metro stations
- Borgo
- Giuffrida
- Italia
- Galatea
- F.S. Stazione Centrale
- Porto
External links
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