Milan's Public Transportation – Numbers & Statistics
Milan boasts an extensive public transportation network that includes metros, trams, buses, and trolleybuses, making it a vital part of daily life for residents and visitors to city. Supporting hundreds of thousands of daily journeys, Milan's public transportation ensures efficient urban mobility and is crucial for reducing traffic congestion, lowering emissions, and promoting sustainable mobility.
To help you better understand the magnitude of this system, our team of experts at AreaCmilano.it has curated detailed data and statistics on the network structure, fleet, service coverage, passenger traffic, and passenger usage patterns. Lets dive into the numbers.
Passenger Traffic Data 2015 – 2020
Let's start by looking at the historic passenger traffic data published by the statistics site Statista . Between 2015 and 2020, Milan's public transportation system experienced significant fluctuations in passenger numbers. Starting at 593.75 million passengers in 2015, the number slightly decreased to 567.64 million in 2016. However, passenger traffic picked up momentum in subsequent years, reaching 652.35 million in 2017, 685.15 million in 2018, and peaking at 747.92 million in 2019. This upward trend reflected the growing reliance on public transportation by Milan's residents and visitors, driven by the system's efficiency, coverage, and continuous improvements.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on public transport usage worldwide, and Milan was no exception. In 2020, the total number of passengers plummeted to 301.16 million, a significant decline from the previous year's peak. This drastic reduction was primarily due to lockdown measures, social distancing requirements, and a general decline in travel as people worked from home and avoided public spaces. The pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of public transportation systems to external shocks and underscored the need for adaptive strategies to maintain service continuity and safety during crises.
Passenger Numbers on Milan's Public Transport (2015-2020)
| Year | Number of Passengers (in millions) |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 593.75 |
| 2016 | 567.64 |
| 2017 | 652.35 |
| 2018 | 685.15 |
| 2019 | 747.92 |
| 2020 | 301.16 |
Source: Statista
The Public Transport Network Data
Now let's dive into the numbers that illustrate the size of Milan's public transportation network.
Milan’s public transportation network is extensive and well-integrated, serving, according to Milan Public Transport Company (ATM) data an area of 656 square kilometers (which includes Milan and its province). The system includes metro lines, trams, buses, and trolleybuses, ensuring that almost every corner of the city and its surrounding municipalities is accessible. With 4,700 surface stops, the network efficiently caters to the needs of Milan's 1.3 million residents (2.5 millions in Milan and its province) and a huge number of visitors, supporting around 800,000 journeys on a typical day.
The Metro
Source: ATM
Milan’s metro network consists of four active lines, with a fifth line expected to be completely operational soon. These lines, identified by distinct colors, are as follows: MM1 (red), MM2 (green), MM3 (yellow), and MM5 (purple). The total length of the metro network is 102 kilometers, encompassing 119 stations. These lines crisscross the city, providing extensive coverage and facilitating efficient transit across major urban and suburban areas.
The metro fleet in Milan comprises 947 engines and carriages, designed to handle the high passenger volumes. The fleet’s average age is 8.9 years, reflecting ongoing investments in modernizing the system to ensure reliability, safety, and comfort for passengers.
Tram
Source: ATM
The tram network consists of 17 lines covering 157 kilometers, with a fleet of 493 vehicles. Trams are a popular mode of transportation in Milan, offering a scenic and convenient way to travel through the city. The tram lines are well-distributed, connecting key areas and neighborhoods, and complementing the metro system.
Bus
Source: ATM
Milan’s bus network includes 133 lines with a total network length of 1,192.8 kilometers. The bus fleet comprises 1,246 vehicles, providing extensive coverage throughout the city and its suburbs. Buses operate from early morning until late at night, ensuring consistent service and accessibility.
Service Frequency and Operational Hours
Milan's public transportation services operate with a high frequency, particularly during peak hours. The metro lines, for example, have trains running every two minutes during peak periods and every four to five minutes during off-peak times.
The metro operates from 5:30 am to 12:30 am, providing nearly round-the-clock service. Buses and trams run from 4:00 am to 1:45 am, ensuring that passengers have access to public transportation at almost any hour of the day.
The high service frequency and extended operational hours contribute significantly to the efficiency and reliability of the system. These factors, combined with the extensive network coverage and strategic placement of stops, make the public transportation system a cornerstone of urban mobility in Milan, supporting both daily commuting and the city's broader sustainability goals.
Ticket Prices
Milan’s public transportation system offers competitive and flexible ticket pricing. A standard single ticket costs €2.00, allowing for 90 minutes of travel across all forms of public transport within the urban area. For frequent travelers, there are various passes available, including daily (€7.00), weekly (€17.00), and monthly (€39.00) options. Reduced fares are available for students, seniors, and other eligible groups.
Upcoming Projects and Expansions
Milan's public transportation network is set to expand and improve with several upcoming projects. One of the most significant developments is the construction of the new metro line, MM4 (blue line), which will further enhance connectivity across the city. So far, 8 stations are already open, and 13 more are set to be opened during 2024. Once completed, MM4 will add 21 new stations and extend the metro network by an additional 15 kilometers, linking Linate Airport in the east to San Cristoforo in the west.
In addition to the new metro line, there are plans to extend the existing lines. For instance, the MM1 (red line) extension will reach the suburban areas of Baggio and Settimo Milanese, further expanding the metro's reach. Similarly, the MM5 (purple line) is being extended to Monza, providing greater access to one of the most densely populated regions in the metropolitan area.
As Milan continues to evolve, it will strive to further enhance its public transportation system, ensuring it is a reliable and efficient option for both residents and visitors.