Metropolitana Di Catania

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 limited of 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 has been criticised
as a more cost-effective solution would be a station on the main line, which runs past the airport.
However, that solution would involve severe constraints in service frequency.

EXTERNAL LINKS

Page about the Metro of Catania at UrbanRail.Net

Information About

Metropolitana Di Catania