Construction sites and disruption. Unfortunately, this has been an inextricable combination in recent years, especially in Cagliari, where efforts are underway to develop the surface metro line. Giovanni Mocci, CEO of ARST, discusses the status of the works and the solutions planned to reduce the impact on residents' daily lives.
What is the current status of the main light rail construction sites, particularly the Cagliari network and key connections such as the Repubblica-Matteotti section?
The Cagliari Metro construction site, a project co-designed with the Municipality, is the project with the highest number of construction managers in Italy. The sub-construction sites, designed to minimize traffic disruption, are all operational. The bus lane on Viale Cimitero will reopen in a few days; a few weeks ago, the internal lane on Viale Diaz was reopened, and the section in Piazza Matteotti in front of the station will soon be completed. We are also confident we have overcome the latest disruption on Via Roma, caused by a new archaeological find. We are optimistic.
What are the main critical issues and ongoing changes that have influenced the original schedule?
«The works are scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. The critical issues encountered are well-known: archaeological finds, the resolution of sub-services not indicated in the service conference, some procedural and operational snags, the need to implement “temporary” interventions such as the new terminal for urban buses in Piazza Matteotti, the roundabout on Viale Cimitero, the roundabout on Piazza Deffenu (which are otherwise functioning very well) and very soon, the one on Viale La Plaia».
How can we mitigate the impact of construction on residents?
Roadworks, not just those on the metro, inevitably cause inconvenience to residents. I would like to emphasize, however, that these inconveniences can only be limited to a certain extent. However, once the work is completed and the metro service is up and running, we are confident that they will be quickly overcome. This is something that is often overlooked, since this strategic project was originally designed specifically to reduce car traffic.
What will be the next strategic routes to be designed or contracted in the medium to long term?
On September 18th, the construction work for the new Policlinico-Sestu section, approximately 6 km long, was handed over. This project is not about the medium-long term, but rather the short- or very short-term. It is a major project that will significantly improve the connections between Sestu and Cagliari, via the vital university and healthcare center of Monserrato. In the medium term, we will proceed with the doubling of the Monserrato-Settimo San Pietro metro-tram line. The project has already been funded, and we hope to soon also be able to work on the new double-track connection between the Caracalla and Argine di Monserrato stops.
How will the new metro network integrate with the regional rail system and existing interchanges?
The Piazza Matteotti hub represents the most important point of integration with Trenitalia's regional rail services. The metro station is planned within the Ferrovie dello Stato station, sharing the platform with the one used by trains to the airport. In our design proposals for the metro network, which are also present in numerous regional documents, pending the new Transport Plan, the station at Elmas Airport could also become an interchange point if the line from the Policlinico Hospital could be extended to the airport.
Is there any plan to upgrade the lines?
Planning services and determining routes, frequencies, and timetables are the responsibility of the Region, which then entrusts everything to the transport companies through the service contract. This obviously doesn't prevent ARST and other companies from proposing new lines or developing existing ones. Our strategic plan includes several new traffic connections that take into account the changes in transport demand that have been occurring in recent years. For example, the strong demand for direct connections from airports to tourist destinations.
What solutions are you exploring to ensure full service accessibility for people with limited mobility and to promote sustainable mobility?
All new buses introduced in recent years are equipped with ramps to transport passengers with reduced mobility; the same applies to all new trains and the metro-tram vehicles in Cagliari and Sassari. An email address and phone number are available for passengers to book the service if there is a risk that older, perhaps unequipped, vehicles may be used. Bicycles have long been permitted on Cagliari Metro services and trains. For transportation on buses, it is necessary to ensure that there is space available in the luggage racks. Demand is growing rapidly, and we are evaluating solutions that can provide an adequate response, including in terms of safety.
How is the decarbonisation plan progressing?
We introduced electric buses for Alghero's urban services some time ago and were the first to introduce hydrogen trains into our rail fleet. We want to continue along this path. The world's first narrow-gauge hydrogen train, produced by Stadler for Arst, was recently presented in Berlin.
Massimiliano Rais
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