The new Metro municipalities, giving large urban areas the administrative powers of a province, are conceived for improving the performance of local administrations and to slash local spending by better coordinating the municipalities in providing basic services and environment protection. In this policy framework, the Mayor of Milan is designated to exercise the functions of Metropolitan mayor, presiding over a Metropolitan Council formed by 24 mayors of municipalities within the Metro municipality. The first Metropolitan Council of the City was elected on 28 September 2014. The current Metropolitan Council of the City was elected on 9 October 2016:
Administrative regions
The ten most-populous municipalities within the Metropolitan City are:
Milan metropolitan area is one of southern Europe's key transport nodes and one of Italy's most important railway hubs. Its five major railway stations, among which the Milan Central station, are among Italy's busiest. The Azienda Trasporti Milanesi operates within the metropolitan area, managing a public transport networkconsisting of an underground rapid transit network and tram, trolley-bus and bus lines. Overall the network covers nearly reaching 86 municipalities. Besides public transport, ATM manages the interchange parking lots and other transportation services including bike sharing and car sharing systems. Milan Metro is the rapid transit system serving the city, with 4 lines and a total length of more than. The recently opened M5 line is undergoing further expansion and the construction of the M4 line has been approved. The Milan suburban railway service comprises 10 lines and connects the metropolitan area with the city centre through the Milan Passerby underground railway. Commonly referred to as "Il Passante", it has a train running every 6 minutes. The city tram network consists of approximately of track and 17 lines. Bus lines cover over. Milan has also taxi services operated by private companies and licensed by the City council of Milan. The city is also a key node for the national road network, being served by all the major highways of Northern Italy. Milan metropolitan area is served by 3 international airports. Malpensa International Airport, the second busiest in Italy, is from central Milan and connected to the city by the "Malpensa Express" railway service. Linate Airport, which lies within the city limits and served over 9 million passengers in 2010. and Orio al Serio Airport, that are mainly used for domestic and short-haul international flights.
