You dreamed of a trip through Italy. You imagined yourself walking through Rome, crossing bridges in Venice, toasting to... sunset in Tuscany. But, upon disembarking, reality imposed a setback: a transport strike.
In recent months, this scenario has become increasingly common. Shutdowns are affecting trains, buses, subways, and even flights. Despite the impact, there are alternatives to continue traveling without losing the charm.
Understand what's stopped – and what still works
Strikes rarely paralyze all services simultaneously. In some cases, it's bus drivers who strike; in others, it's airport employees.
It's essential to determine which sector will be affected and at what times. Many protests have "strike windows," with work stoppages scheduled for only part of the day.
Take advantage of guaranteed times
Italian law requires operators to maintain certain minimum operating hours, known as guarantee bands.
Trains and buses typically run in the morning and late afternoon, specifically to ensure workers' commute. Companies also typically announce in advance which lines will continue operating.
Don't count on taxis – or Uber
Taxis in cities like Milan, Rome, and Naples are already scarce on normal days. During a strike, the wait can be 40 minutes or more.
Furthermore, the traditional Uber app doesn't operate in Italy. The app only serves to hail licensed taxis, which doesn't address the shortage.
Urban mobility by app
Apps like Lime, Dott, and Tier offer electric bikes and scooters for short distances.
For longer journeys, there are shared car and scooter services like Enjoy, Free2Move, and Cooltra. Remember: if you plan to drive, make sure your license is valid in Italy.
Private buses: a reliable alternative
During railway strikes, companies such as FlixBus, Itabus and MarinoBus usually maintain their routes between cities.
These are slower but effective options, especially when Trenitalia or Italo trains are cancelled.
Rent a car or hitchhike
If you need to travel outside of major cities, renting a car is a good option. Networks like Hertz, Avis, and Sicily by Car offer options for all types of travelers.
Another option is to use ride-sharing apps like BlaBlaCar, which connect drivers with passengers traveling in the same direction. It's both economical and social.
Refund: know your rights
If your train is canceled due to a strike, you can request a refund directly on the operator's website. For regional trains, the request must be made by midnight the day before.
Canceled flights within the European Union are also eligible for a refund or rescheduling, as per European regulations.
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