Each layer of the city is built upon an even more ancient layer of the city. This makes it really difficult to build metro lines because they are underground. Every time the city tries to build a new metro stop or add onto the unfinished third metro line (which began 13 years ago), they find some new archeological site! Then, the city needs to take the time and hire experts to figure out what the ruins are and if they are important enough to build around.
Further, Roman transportation is very connected to Italian culture. Being late is not considered as rude here in Rome as it is in the U.S. Generally, the Italian culture values a slow, relaxed way of life. This attitude is reflected in the phrase la dolce vita, which means "the sweet life". These cultural values are reflected in public transportation, which rarely gets to where you need to go exactly on time. I love Italian culture's lack of concern with timeliness and its emphasis on enjoying life slowly. So when the bus is late, I always have to remind myself that this is simply another part of la dolce vita!
