"The damned train"

In most areas of the USA we aspire to European levels of density and transit usage.  But Florence is an example of what they have to deal with when they attempt to add modern (relative to the 16th century) infrastructure; it could be an object lesson.

There is a plan to install a modern, at-grade (i.e., surface) light rail line in Florence.

The destinations--the Santa Maria Novella intercity rail depot, a hospital, the airport, and a piazza--all make sense. But they are all either outside or on the edge of the historic city center. The plan is for the airport LRT line to enter the city center where the Duomo and Baptistry are, then back out to the Piazza della Liberta. [ Info ]



This piazza is on a main (automobile) arterial that leads directly from the SMN depot. At-grade LRT could easily take this street to the piazza and avoid the historic district. The old city is small enough to walk across in 20 minutes, any point would be a short walk from either SMN or Piazza della Liberta. I bet a local, undistracted by the art and architecture, could do it in 12-15.

Furthermore, the large numbers of pedestrians during the height of the tourist season (which lasts well into September) will likely limit LRT to a very low speed in the historic district.

Just to be clear, I'm not critical of the entire project, I just don't see the point of the Duomo segment. The area is already successful and efficient with transportation modes that already exist. They need it like Seattle needs a Costco across the street from the Pike Place Market.