August with no “Metro A”: construction works in Rome!

If you have been to Rome in the last year or so, you will know that the Metro A has been operating on a reduced schedule, closing early at 9 pm from Sundays to Thursdays to allow for renovations that can no longer be postponed.

This month of August, the pace of these works will increase: the goal is to return the orange line to its full capacity ahead of schedule. The subway will be shut down completely for a few days and replaced by a shuttle bus service that is now familiar to millions… whether locals or not.

The inevitable complaints are directed at the number of tourists currently in the city, in addition to those Romans who will not be leaving for the once traditional August vacation. ATAC, the company that runs Rome’s public transportation, is quick to point out that this is the only month available to limit the disruptions, and that the alternatives are far worse! So let’s buckle up – it’s going to be a slow ride if you are visiting this month!

Aug. 11-13: No service between Subaugusta and Anagnina

These specific works will mainly affect commuters in this first phase, as the affected section of the subway runs through residential areas south of the city center. Of course, tourists who want to use the subway to get to and from Ciampino airport as cheaply as possible will also be impacted. Finally, it should be noted that Subaugusta is one of the stops closer to Parco degli Acquedotti, which is experiencing a moment of increased popularity at this time. The replacement shuttle will be identified by its abbreviation: “MA8.”

Aug. 14- 24: No service between Arco di Travertino and Ottaviano

This is the disruption that will cause the most inconveniences, as it will involve almost the entire line, from north to south, including the stations that are most used to get to the main attractions (Ottaviano, Spagna, Barberini, Termini… and so on). In this case, the shuttle will be marked “MA15” (again, “nMA” only at night).

The timetable for the shuttle service, which changes on weekends and on Saturdays and Sundays, can be found here. The website also has a complete list of all stops for the replacement service.