Trams and local trains in Rome, Italy: Unpunctual, unkempt, uncomfortable | 2023

0:00 Intro
0:40 Trams in Rome
7:25 Suburban railway Roma-Giardinetti
11:38 Ride in a Stanga articulated tram (Class TAS 7000)

The history of the Roman tram began in 1877 with the first horse-drawn tram line; electrification took place between 1890 and 1904. In 1930 and the 1960s, the by then largest tram network in Italy suffered many route closures, until only four lines remained. From the 1990s onwards, a rethink followed with the construction of the new lines 2 and 8 and the procurement of low-floor cars, and further new routes are being discussed. Nevertheless, articulated wagons from the 1940s are still in use today.
Between 1916 and 1917, a narrow-gauge local railway was built, which ran from Termini central station about 140 kilometers east to Frosinone. From 1935 onwards the route only went to Genazzano, and from 1984 to Pantano Borghese. From 2008 onwards it was gradually replaced by the new metro line C, terminating at Centocelle station since 2014.
In addition to some more modern articulated wagons, three-car trains from the 1950s are still in use today. The remaining route is to be converted into a normal tram in the medium term.
The two systems are characterized by a confusing timetable, constant unpunctuality and the sometimes catastrophic condition of even the newer vehicles, making the ride a very unpleasant experience.