Travelers in Italy should anticipate significant disruptions to train service in the coming days as rail workers prepare to strike, spurred in part by the recent death of a train conductor in Bologna. The planned labor actions, confirmed by the ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, will impact both regional and national rail lines, including connections to major airports. Passengers are advised to check schedules and potential impacts with Trenitalia and Trenord before traveling, as cancellations and delays are expected.
Train travel in Italy faces disruption in the coming days due to a pair of planned strikes, one prompted by a recent on-duty train conductor’s murder. The labor actions are expected to impact both national and regional rail services, as well as airport connections.
Strike Looms in Aviation Sector, Complicating Travel Plans
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Passengers traveling by train in Italy should prepare for potential delays and cancellations as workers in the rail sector prepare to strike. Both planned demonstrations have been confirmed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, as well as the companies and unions involved.
Train Strike Scheduled for January 9 and 10
The first rail strike, organized by the Cub Trasporti and Sgb unions, is intended to demand increased safety guarantees for personnel. It is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. on Friday, January 9, and continue until 9 p.m. on Saturday, January 10. The official notification was submitted to the relevant ministry on January 6, following the death of a train conductor in Bologna.
Train Schedules Affected
The nationwide strike will involve workers from Gruppo FS, Trenitalia, Tper, and Trenord. “Trains may be canceled or experience changes,” Trenitalia confirmed. “For Regional Transport of Trenitalia, Trenitalia Tper and Trenord, essential services are guaranteed during weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.” A list of guaranteed trains is available here.
“Union action may cause changes to service even before and after the strike period. Passengers wishing to cancel their trip can request a refund starting from the strike declaration: until the departure time of the reserved train for Intercity and Frecciarossa trains; until 24 hours before the strike for Regional trains; alternatively, they can reschedule their trip, under similar transport conditions, as soon as possible, subject to seat availability.”
Trenord Guaranteed Trains During Strike
Trenord added that the strike “may generate repercussions on rail traffic in Lombardy. On Friday, January 9, trains departing on schedule before 9 p.m. and arriving at their final destination by 10 p.m. will operate.”
On Saturday, January 10, guaranteed service hours will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., during which trains included in the ‘Minimum Guaranteed Services’ list will run. The list of Trenord guaranteed trains is available here.
Replacement Bus Service for Malpensa Airport
In the event of cancellations on the airport rail service, replacement buses will operate without intermediate stops between: Milan Cadorna and Malpensa Airport for the Malpensa Express; and Stabio and Malpensa Airport for the S50 Malpensa Airport – Stabio connection.
Second Trenord Strike on January 12
A second strike, previously scheduled since November 21, will impact Trenord trains for 23 hours, from 3 a.m. on Monday, January 12, to 2 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13. The Orsa Ferrovie union is responsible for this action. The rail company confirmed the strike “may also affect Trenord’s regional, suburban, airport and long-distance services.”
As with the previous strike, “guaranteed service hours will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., during which trains included in the ‘Minimum Guaranteed Services’ list will operate.” The list of Trenord guaranteed trains is available here. Replacement bus services will also be provided in the absence of airport rail service, following the same routes and stops.
Milan’s public transport system – metro, trams, and buses – will operate normally, but is also scheduled for a separate strike in the coming days. More information on that strike is available here.
