Ten new Iveco double-decker buses are to operate on the tourist route 110 in Rome.

The roofless red buses have special features that will allow easy boarding, alighting and increased comfort for the disabled.

Presenting the buses, the vice president of Fiat-Iveco, John Elkann, said the features in the new fleet were in line with the artistic nature of Rome and the promotion of Italian urban tourism both at home and abroad.

The 110 operates daily on a stop n go formula from 08.40-20.25 on a 15 km trip passing close to some of the city's major tourist sights, Via Nazionale, Piazza Venezia, the Colosseum, Piazza Navona, St Peter's (Vatican), Piazza del Popolo and Via Veneto.

According to the city council 332,000 passengers have used the bus since its introduction in August 2003, especially in June, July and August this year.

Plans are also underway to have a special ticket for the 110 open, that will also give access to major museums. A trip on the bus costs 13. For more information tel. 0646952252.