On 16 May 2006 08:43:12 -0700, "John B" wrote:

Hi all -

It's easy to bitch about the Underground, and to compare it
unfavourably with metros in Singapore, Hong Kong and so on. To redress
the balance, I thought I'd share details of my recent trip on the Rome
Metro.

I went to Rome for the first time last year.

Approximate order of events:
* we discover staircase from station forecourt to Metro station stinks
of ****.

The entrances to the Metro were enough to put me off.

* we discover there are no ticket machines and no ticket office, so
have to seek out a newsagent to buy our travelcards.

I bought myself a weekly at a newsstand at Termini when I arrived as I
knew I'd have to use buses and did not want to find a tobacconists every
5 minutes. Although I made a financial loss the convenience was the
main reason for doing this.

* we abandon all thoughts of getting the Metro anywhere else during our
stay and stick to the buses.

I was tempted to use the Metro from Colesso just to see what it was like
- sad aren't I? The general standard of cleanliness and upkeep at what
is a main tourist station was appalling and I decided not to bother.

I got myself a transport map from a news stand and used the buses. While
they were rammed the whole day long on the main routes they did at least
work well despite the traffic! I have to say the level of usage and
overcrowding is quite something even when compared to London.

Using the Victoria Line at rush hour this week has been an absolute joy
by comparison.

Not sure I've ever seen the Vic Line rush hour described as an absolute
joy before.
--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!