ABSTRACT
Milan's geographical position, on the Lombard Plain, close to Alpine passes leading to northern Europe, and therefore on principal trade routes, and subsequently trunk railways and motorways, has ensured its accessibility and importance throughout history. By stages the point was reached when, in 1957, approval for an experimental section of underground railway was obtained, and in 1958 the go-ahead was received for the first complete transverse city line. The present line rims entirely in doubles-track rectangular tunnel, generally 10 ft (3 m) below surface level, from Marelli in the north down to Piazza Duomo (Cathedral Square), where it turns westward to Lotto station, with a short branch south-west to Gambara station. The Metro was designed from the beginning to conserve manpower, in respect to its operation. One man operates a train and one man controls the entry barriers at each station. Train movement over the whole line is under central traffic control.
