Milan Metro

Milan Metro. The Milan Metro is a rapid transit system serving the city of Milan and several surrounding municipalities in the Lombardy region. Operated by Azienda Trasporti Milanesi, it is the longest metro system in Italy and a cornerstone of the city's public transport network, integrated with tram, bus, and commuter rail services. Since its inauguration in 1964, it has expanded significantly, becoming essential for the daily commute of millions and a vital part of the metropolitan area's infrastructure.

History

The system's origins trace back to the early 20th century, with initial proposals debated alongside the development of other European networks like the London Underground and the Paris Métro. Construction finally began in 1957, led by the municipal administration and companies like Impregilo. The first line, the Red Line, opened in 1964, connecting Sesto Marelli to Lotto, near the site of the Fiera Milano exhibition grounds. Subsequent decades saw rapid expansion: the Green Line opened in 1969, reaching landmarks such as Caiazzo and the Central Station, a major hub for Trenitalia and FS services. Major extensions were completed for events like the 1990 FIFA World Cup, and the system continued to grow with the addition of the Yellow Line in 1990 and the Lilac Line, an automated line, in 2013.

Network

The network comprises five lines, identified by numbers and colors, covering over 104 kilometers. Line 1 runs from Rho Fieramilano and Bisceglie in the west to Sesto 1º Maggio FS in the northeast, serving key areas including the Duomo cathedral square and the Corso Buenos Aires shopping district. Line 2 connects Abbiategrasso and Assago Milanofiori Forum in the southwest to Cologno Nord and Gessate in the east, passing through the Garibaldi FS station and the Stadio San Siro area. Line 3 links Comasina in the north to San Donato in the south. The driverless Line 5 runs from Bignami to San Siro Stadio, while the circular Line 4 is currently under construction.

Rolling stock

The fleet features several generations of trains, primarily supplied by Italian manufacturers. The earliest trains for Line 1 and Line 2 were built by Breda and are known as the "Meneghino" and "S" series. Newer stock includes the AnsaldoBreda "Milan Metro 5000 Series" for the older lines and the driverless AnsaldoBreda "Milan Metro 7000 Series" trains used on Line 5. The recently opened Line 4 utilizes trains from Hitachi Rail Italy. Maintenance is performed at depots such as the Precotto and Famagosta facilities.

Operations

The metro operates daily from around 5:30 am to 12:30 am, with extended hours during major events at venues like the Mediolanum Forum or Allianz Cloud. It is fully integrated into the Azienda Trasporti Milanesi tariff system, utilizing the same tickets as the city's extensive tram and bus network. Security and station management are handled by personnel from Azienda Trasporti Milanesi and local police forces. The network interfaces with major railway stations including Milano Centrale, Porta Garibaldi, and Rogoredo, facilitating connections with services operated by Trenord and Trenitalia.

Future developments

Several expansion projects are ongoing or planned. The completion of the automated Line 4, which will form a circle around the city center connecting Linate Airport to the west, is a major priority. Extensions are planned for Line 1 further into the metropolitan area and for Line 2 towards the southern suburbs. Studies are also underway for a potential new line, sometimes referred to as Line 6, to improve north-south connectivity. These projects are managed by Azienda Trasporti Milanesi in coordination with the Municipality of Milan and the Lombardy regional government.

Category:Rapid transit in Italy Category:Transport in Milan Category:Railway companies of Italy