Feasibility Study of the SIR2 Tramline in Padua
Padua, Italy
At the time of its implementation, the project aimed to complete the city's tramway network, which already included a north-south tramway line (SIR1 - Pontevigodarzere - Guizza) and the construction of an additional line, SIR3 (from the station to Voltabarozzo).
The SIR2 project on the east-west axis (from Rubano to Busa di Vigonza, through the centre of Padua) was a prerequisite for the completion of the city's tramway system, as originally conceived at the beginning of the millennium.
Two new sections have been added to the original project: one branching to Caserma Romagnoli to the west, and the other branching to the new San Lazzaro Regional Hospital to the east. The latter will be constructed alongside the new hospital complex.
The work carried out by MIC-HUB - resulting from an extensive knowledge of the city, an understanding of the structure of the surface transport network, and specific modelling techniques - allowed the municipality to prepare a comprehensive transport document, including a project proposal and economic analyses, to support an application for funding, in accordance with the guidelines issued by MIT.
In 2021, the project received approval and financial support. The project was then included in the PNRR and entered into the implementation phase (end of 2026). This is the largest investment in public mobility in Padua of the last 30 years (more than 300 million euros), and it is scheduled to become operational in 2026.
Location
Padua, Italy
Client
Comune di Padova
Main expertise
Regional & Urban Transport Planning; Road Design and Streetscape; Transport and Traffic Modelling
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
- Project of a new tramline with a total length of 17.5 km and 36 stations
- Creation of a fully interconnected light rail system
Project gallery
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SMART system
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Lines of the intermediate network system
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Frequency of passages/hours on the network
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Analysis of the public transport in Visum - current state
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Analysis of the public transport in Visum - forecast to 2040
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Analysis of the equivalent volume of private vehicles in Visum - current state
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Analysis of the equivalent volume of private vehicles in Visum - forecast to 2040
Our contribution
MIC-HUB's transport analyses have led to the conception of the SMART system (an acronym for the Italian Sistema Metropolitano A Rete Tranviaria - Metropolitan Tram Network System), which will see the tramway no longer operating as a system of three intersecting lines and forced transfers, but as an integrated system of direct services on nine routes in Padua.
Padua will thus have a network of interconnected lines that will allow an innovative public transport service along the main routes of the city.
MIC-HUB has brought its expertise to support the project in the areas of transport engineering, modelling, civil engineering and underground utilities, as well as by carrying out highly valued economic and financial analyses.
The project also requires a profound rethinking of the public bus network, which must be reduced to compensate for the various, higher operating costs of the tram service.
The streamlining project was completed at the end of 2024. The new PT bus system will complement the new tram system by eliminating overlapping services and creating alternative transit corridors through the city centre. It will also extend the service to the municipalities in the Padua conurbation. This expansion will establish a connection between the municipalities in the belt and the new tram system.
