For the Fano Urbino there is a reasonable and convenient solution for everyone: a cycle/pedestrian path, as the technical and economic feasibility study for the restoration of the railway, which RFI completed more than two years ago, almost certainly also says.
A solution carefully kept hidden because it would disprove certain beliefs; for example, that the former railway is still “intact”, that trains can run “up to 130 km/h”, that every day there can be dozens of trips carrying thousands of passengers, goods in quantity, etc.
Results?
- The railway abandoned for 37 years continues to deteriorate;
- the entire Metauro valley is penalized;
- protests and complaints from those who live along the tracks are not heard.
Instead, rationally using the existing spaces (at least 4/5 meters wide) would be possible
- allow a Bus Rapid Transit, a means of collective road transport, to pass;
- without removing the tracks, create a cycle path on their edges;
- create a linear park by redeveloping the rich existing vegetation;
- create rest, refreshment and assistance points along the route;
- enhance all former stations for social and cultural activities;
- create a new beautiful and safe road;
- discourage the use of motor vehicles for short journeys;
- combat sedentary lifestyle and be good for your health;
- modify the various PRGs with greater freedom;
- insert some sub-services underground, primarily ultra-broadband;
- use materials deriving from end-of-life tires for flooring;
- use the track also for sporting purposes, for example for the Marathon;
- increase the commercial value of properties;
- etc.
It should be noted that RFI itself, in its Atlases of abandoned railways, hopes that local authorities will convert railways that are no longer used into cycle-pedestrian paths.
Yet, all these potentials capable of relaunching the Metauro valley are blocked by a blind love that wants railways everywhere, even where it is not possible and by granite certainties, however increasingly shaky. However, the real reason is another: publishing the famous study means recognizing the failure of many promises and losing consensus. For this reason, especially during the electoral campaign, it is better to stay silent and still, not take into account the overall expenditure of a good one million and 350 thousand euros and continue to deceive many citizens.
The attached rendering summarizes what is possible but is not being done because for 37 years we have been waiting for a train that has never left.
