Metromare Rimini - Riccione | Express trolleybus

Metromare Rimini - Riccione | Express trolleybus line - the new one

Metromare Rimini - Riccione

The populous coastal area between the cities of Rimini an Riccione on nearby Adria discuss since decades possibilities of strengthen puplic transport. The only efficient traffic axis were until 2020 the FS Bologna – Ancona railway line with only one stop between Rimini and Riccione in Miramare and trolleybusline 11on the often congested coast road.

There were idears of a tram line as well as people movers or a cable railway. The final decision to build a TBRT (trolleybus rapid transit system)was made in 2017 and the electric service started on 28. October 2021.

The new line was built almost on a seperated buslane. The first step of this new system is about 9,8 km long with 17 stations. The new trolleybus line is 60% on single lane (but with 2 pairs of overhead) and a block signaling system. For the first about 800 meters the trolleybuses use the trackbed of the former narrow gauge, electric international railway from Rimini to San Marino (1931 – 1944) passing it`s old depot Rimini Marina. Nearby the trolleybuses cross the standard gauge track to Rimini`s FS workshop.

Rimini Railstation and Metromare Station on GoogleMaps

Metromare Rimini - Riccione | Express trolleybus line - the new one

Trolleybus 36518 turnes in front of Rimini railway station while trolleybus 36516 waits for extra duties.

Trolleybus 36518 turnes in front of Rimini railway station while trolleybus 36516 waits for extra duties. Trolleybus 36519 passes 36516 at Rimini FS turning loop. Trolleybus 36514 awaiting departure at Rimini FS - see the high platform and the metro like design of the stations.

The line called „Metromare“ operates every 15 minutes between 5 a.m. and 0.30 a.m. linking also the Rimini airport with Rimini and Riccione as well. There are 5 trolleybuses of type VanHool Exquicity 18T in serevice, one of them is used as a spare trolleybus at Rimini FS. In stock are 9 VanHool/Kiepe trolleybuses (36511-36519) for Metromare beside 6 trolleybuses for traditional line 11. The whole line is fitted with overhead with one additional turning loop at Miramare Airport. The auxiliary drive is only used for depot rides.

Trolleybus 36514 passing the short working loop at Miramare Airport. Trolleybus 36514 on ist fast run from Rimini to Riccione on a single spur road protected with block signals and traffic signs. Trolleybus 36511 at Lagmaggio station – a bi directional station on a single spur part of the line with platforms on both sides.

The Rimini – Riccione TBRT line is the first step of a new efficient trolleybus system in and around Rimini. The next step will bring a further 4,2 km line between Rimini FS and the Rimini fair ground. There are plans for a 3rd step (Santarcangelo di Romaga, about 8 km) and a 4th step (Riccione – Cattolica even about 8 km).

Trolleybus 36511 standing on the common platform of trains and trolleybuses in Riccione FS station, awaiting departure for a fast run to Rimini. Trolleybus 36517 arrived in Riccione FS – barriers protect the trolleybus only lane from cars.

Trolleybus 36511 leaving the bus only lane in Riccione to turn for ist return trip to Rimini. Trolleybus 36517 turing on the traffic circle in front of Riccione railway station. Trolleybus 36513 arriving at Riccione FS station into direction Rimini.

There are similar rapid trolleybus systems in construction or under consideration in Pescara and Novara. It is to hope that this example of efficient, clean and fast public transport makes school – not even in Italy!