Construction Begins on the T4.1 Tram Line

 

Florence’s public transit system announced exciting news to city residents and prospective visitors in late July, 2026. On Monday, July 20, construction began on a new tram line, the T4.1 Leopolda – Le Piagge. The new route will connect 13 stops starting from Leopolda and Porta al Prato, freeing up traffic for those travelling to Ponte alla Vittoria, the left bank of the Arno, Scandicci, and the main road to Livorno. 

The stops along the new T4.1 will include: Visarno, Cascine, Manifattura Tabacchi, Pergolesi, Il Barco, Vespucci, Indiano, Via Puglia, and Piagge. From start to end, the total travel time will be a speedy 21 minutes with the tram running every six minutes and 25 seconds during peak travel hours. 

Florence mayor Sara Furano announced that the 6.5 kilometer (4.04 miles) long track will take just over two years to complete. The new project should be less disruptive to traffic due to the use of a previously unserviced railroad track. Along with providing a reliable, fast mode of transit, Furano declared that, “The Leopolda Piagge line will also have a very important urban redevelopment function, crossing currently abandoned areas that will acquire new importance within the city and metropolitan area.” 

The city is spending an estimated €200 million on development of the T4.1, promising that the new line will help to reduce CO2 emissions by roughly 5,100 tons per year. The new line will fortify Florence’s tram system, providing an attractive alternative for locals and visitors that would otherwise use private cars. The projected commuter impact is significant. Predictions forecast that the new tram line will service around 28,900 people on a typical weekday and 8.1 million people per year. According to Transport Councillor, Andrea Giorgio, “It will be a truly revolutionary project.” 

In addition to future plans for expanding the Peretola to San Marco T2 line, building of the T4.1 route marks a milestone in the city’s continued efforts to modernize Florentine public transit.  (Francesca Negri)