I know there are a number of Italian Rail 'experts' on the forum so I am looking for some advice. Just discovered there is a strike on Tuesday (6th May). I have to be in Pontremoli (Tuscany) by Tuesday evening, travelling from Firenze. I see from the guaranteed services on tuesday there is an 1853 from Firenze SMN to Pontremoli - but that's a pain being so late for a number of reasons. Can anyone advise whether it's likely services in addition to the guaranteed minimum are likely to run? If not, might have to cut our losses and go up tomorrow.
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Italian Train Strike - advice please
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D6130
Established Member
Unfortunately the effects of the numerous Italian rail strikes are notoriously difficult to predict. The trains shown in the timetable to be guaranteed do usually run....but sometimes - usually due to stock or crews being in the wrong place - they are replaced by buses. Contrarily, a few trains that aren't guaranteed do actually run. I've had a look at the Train Times Italy site....but they're not giving any timetable information for Tuesday.
It may be worth investigating what's running on the slow - but incredibly scenic - Lucca to Aulla Lunigiana line....as It may be possibile to leave Firenze earlier in the afternoon - or possibly at lunchtime - and reach Pontremoli by changing at Lucca and Aulla. If you end-up being stranded at Aulla, you may be able to get a taxi to Pontremoli, which is not that far away. However, bear in mind that Aulla-Lunigiana - a five platform junction station - is completely unstaffed except in the morning peak....and is some kilometres distant from the town.
Buona fortuna!
Sorry I can't be more helpful but, if I find out anything further tomorrow, I'll post again.
It may be worth investigating what's running on the slow - but incredibly scenic - Lucca to Aulla Lunigiana line....as It may be possibile to leave Firenze earlier in the afternoon - or possibly at lunchtime - and reach Pontremoli by changing at Lucca and Aulla. If you end-up being stranded at Aulla, you may be able to get a taxi to Pontremoli, which is not that far away. However, bear in mind that Aulla-Lunigiana - a five platform junction station - is completely unstaffed except in the morning peak....and is some kilometres distant from the town.
Buona fortuna!
Sorry I can't be more helpful but, if I find out anything further tomorrow, I'll post again.
Thanks for the comprehensive reply - it reinforces my own thinking and we have decided to cut our losses here in Firenze and head up to Pontremoli this evening.
I have actually done the Lucca to Aulla line before - by mistake! But that's another story...
Thanks again.
Mainliner
Member
I was also affected, having arrived at Milan Central station on 6 May, to find the strike in progress. Fortunately, this strike ended at 5pm, and most services got underway after that, but it did mean a 6 hour delay for me. However, that wasn’t as bad as the previous time when these strikes affected me, when I missed a return flight to the UK and had to spend an extra night near the airport.
This time, it also gave me longer to admire the amazing Milan Central station!
This time, it also gave me longer to admire the amazing Milan Central station!
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D6130
Established Member
For those who may be affected, there will be another such strike this Friday, 17th May.
Is it Friday 16th or Saturday 17th?
I have an interest, as I am booked Milano to Messina on Friday 23rd.
Whisky Papa
Member
- Joined
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It was the 17th, but appears to have been postponed until the 23rd to avoid clashing with the Pope's inauguration according to the website of one of the trade unions involved - Link. So sorry to bring you the bad news.
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If that's on the night train (ICN 1963), that's a guaranteed train.
Beware a 23 hour strike. From (often faulty) memory the minimum service requirement only applies to strikes of 24 hours or more in italian law. In practice, I don’t know.
Edit: the under 24 hour case is explained on the link in rvdborgt's post, the shorter table B list run rather than table A, but only for a certain type of strike on non-working days (!).
But do those unions affect that train?
Edit: the under 24 hour case is explained on the link in rvdborgt's post, the shorter table B list run rather than table A, but only for a certain type of strike on non-working days (!).
But do those unions affect that train?
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It is - that is good to know.
Thank you.
So now I just need to get from Chiasso to Milano to connect with it!
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D6130
Established Member
Local services between Chiasso and Milano are operated by the TILO Italo-Swiss consortium - in the main running to/from Lugano - operated in Italy, I believe, by Trenord staff. Not sure whether they're involved in this strike or not. Will do some further research and report back asap.
Many thanks
D6130
Established Member
Just had a look on the Trenord website and they expect to be involved in the strike. However, they are covered by the 'guaranteed service' legislation so - in theory - all services scheduled to depart between 06 00-09 00 and 18 00-21 00 should run. What time does your sleeper depart Milano Centrale? (Train Times Italy site is currently down).
By way of update, I was pleasantly surprised to find availability for the night before (easy, free online change) and am currently on the move.
Many thanks to those who offered useful advice.
D6130
Established Member
Buon viaggio! We're going to Florence for the day by bus tomorrow!
