Tourists visiting Italy could face huge delays this Saturday as bus, tram, underground and train operators across the country are set to strike for 24 hours.
Starting in the early hours of October 5, regional and long-distance trains operated in Italy Trenitalia, Trenord and ITALO could be impacted, as well major buses, trams, and underground stations in Milan and Rome.
Even though companies are required to offer a minimum service during the week, there’s no such requirement over the weekend, so transport links will vary from city to city depending on the operator.
For those visiting Rome, buses, trams and the underground run by ATAC will not be in service from 8.30am until 5pm, but they will run outside of these hours.
In Milan, the underground will be disrupted from 8.45am to 3pm, and again after 6pm until the end of the day’s service, according to Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM).
Lake Como tourists may be impacted by the funicular running from Como to Brunate, which could be disrupted from 8.30am to 4.30pm and again from 7.30pm until the end of the day’s service.
For tourists in Lombardy, state-owned Trenord which offers connections to Milan’s Malpensa Airport has not confirmed what level of service it will provide.
Long-distance and regional journeys may be impacted on the Trenitalia and Italo lines.
Trentalia’s website states a minimum service will be provided during walkouts, and transiting trains will reach their final destination if a strike starts during its journey. Tourists can check updates via the Infomobilità section of its website or app.
The strike is backed by the union ORSA.