|
BUSES
The city bus company is called ATAC and is serviced by 346 individual lines. Through-out the city, on most major thoroughfares, you will see the city's large orange (sometimes also orange and grey, green, or even blue!) buses which will transport you safely around the city. Bus service within the metropolitan area of Rome is the least expensive and post prevalent form of public transportation available to students. The city's numerous routes connect Lorenzo de' Medici to not only the historic centre but also extend far into the outlying metropolitan area. As routes and times are subject to frequent changes, students would be wise to check the hours of operation for a specific route or bus stop before departing. For ATAC information, call 800 43 17 84 or consult their website at www.atac.roma.it.
Single, 1 hour tickets must be punched immediately upon entering the bus in one of the 2 machines usually located in the front and back of the bus. The other types of tickets must be validated the first time you use them and must always be carried with you, along with a form of ID (copy of passport). Fines are very expensive if a student is caught without a ticket, or without having stamped it. Buses board in the front or at the back, with exits located in the middle.
TRAMS
Rome operates 6 tram lines. The most convenient for students, #8 operates from 5:30am until midnight and departing from Piazza Argentina (city center). This transport travels along Viale di Trastevere through the Circonvallazione Gianicolense, until it reaches Casaletto, its final stop. The #8 tram is very useful as many of the more interesting nightspots and some LdM housing accommodations are located within easy walking distance of its many stops.
SUBWAY
Rome's subway system is called the Metropolitana and is covered by easily identified red M signs on city maps as well as red lettered signs above metro entrances. Both line A and Line B intersect at Termini Station. Subway Line A connects students to the Vatican as well as with Anagnina, the central bus terminal for routes to other cities in Lazio. The B line transects Rebibbia and EUR. Subway service on Line A operates from 5:30am until 9:00pm. Line B from 5:30am until midnight.
TICKETS
Rome's integrated Metrobus transportation system includes buses and trams and subway lines as well as a few suburban trains (FS) run by the state railways. Below is a list of the integrated ticket
prices as of March 2006.
-
Monthly ticket (Biglietto mensile) €30 -Valid for one month (Jan, Feb, etc.) on all buses, trams and metro
Bus tickets are sold at newsstands, Tobacco shops (tabacchi) and many small bars; automatic ticket machines are also located inside Metro stations and at several principle bus stops.
TAXI SERVICE
Taxis wait at designated Taxi points and can also be called by phone, in which case you will be charged a small supplement. It is difficult, though not impossible, to hail cabs from non designated areas. The meter starts approximately at €2 - 4 with supplemental charges for night service (10:00pm-7:00am), on Sundays and holidays, and for excess baggage. Students should avoid unmarked or unmetered cabs (numerous at airports and train stations), whose drivers actively solicit your trade and often request astronomical fares to the unaware. Use only licensed, metered white cabs, identified by a numbered shield on the side and an illuminated taxi sign on the roof. The closest taxi stand to Lorenzo de' Medici is located at Piazza Repubblica. Numbers for cabs include but are not limited to 06 3570, 06 8822, 06 5551 or 06 4994.
TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM AIRPORTS
There is a convenient nonstop train service between the Termini Train Station and Fiumicino Airport.
Trains depart from Termini usually from tracks 22 or 23 with service from 6:00 am until 10:52pm.
with an average of 3 trains every hour. Cost for a one-way ticket is €9.50.
There is also a local train that connects Fiumicino Airport with the Ostiense and Trastevere train stations. Cost for a one-way ticket is €5.00.
Shuttle van and limo service is also available to and from the airport if reserved in advance and costs approximately €50-€60.
SHUTTLE COMPANY PHONE
TRAINS
The Italian state railroad is called FS ('Ferrovie dello Stato'). The main train station in Rome is Stazione Termini and, as all the main train stations in Italy, has departure and arrival boards, showing departure/arrival times, main stops, delays and track numbers. A 24 hour phone line provides train information: 89 20 21. Be aware that there is a fee for this service for both landline telephones and cell phones. You can view timetables and also purchase tickets online by visiting the Internet website at www.trenitalia.it in English.
IMPORTANT: YOU MUST VALIDATE YOUR TICKET BEFORE GETTING ON THE TRAIN! YELLOW BOXES ARE SET UP RIGHT BY EACH TRACK ESPECIALLY FOR THIS PURPOSE. IF YOU FORGET TO DO SO, THE CONDUCTOR WILL MAKE YOU PAY A FINE! |
Rome guide
|
