Dogged by buses afire, Roman commuters get new metro station
ROME (AP) — Romans have a new metro station, but they'll still have to brave aging, overcrowded buses that sometimes burst into flames if they want to take public transport into the heart of Italy's capital.
The subway stop was inaugurated on Saturday near Piazza San Giovanni, a busy interchange, extending the C line from eastern, working-class neighborhoods to the edge of the capital's historic heart.
The opening, years behind schedule, brings some relief to Rome's commuters. Recently, a bus exploded on its route in a thunderous blast that sent up thick smoke not far from Trevi Fountain. The bus was one of about a dozen vehicles in the city's fleet this year to go aflame, forcing drivers to evacuate frightened passengers.