PAVIA – The City Council has decided to change the face of Corso Strada Nuova for summer evenings, approving the diversion of the urban bus lines. From Piazza Castello to the Covered Bridge, the historic street of Pavia will be free from public transport from 5pm until the end of service, every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and on public holidays, from 10 June to 29 September. This choice is part of a context of growing attention to the liveability of urban spaces, promoting a more accessible and enjoyable center for citizens and tourists.
The decision aims to transform Strada Nuova into a meeting and walking place, encouraging commercial activities, cultural events and simple moments of outdoor socializing. The absence of buses will allow a more peaceful and safe experience for pedestrians, without the constant passage of public transport. A change which will not cause significant inconvenience for commuters, thanks to the planned diversion of the lines which will continue to effectively serve the surrounding areas.
At the same time, the Council introduced a trial for the 3 Centro line, with an expansion of the service on weekends. From 10 June to 29 September, excluding the month of August, on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on public holidays, the bus frequency will increase to 60 minutes for a total of 18 trips per day. This increase responds to the need to better connect the city center during the weekend, facilitating access for those who wish to take advantage of the new opportunities offered by a more liveable Strada Nuova.
The Council also expressed a favorable opinion on the continuation, on an experimental basis, of the increase in the service of line 3 Centro also for next year. From January to December 2024, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, the bus frequency will remain 60 minutes, but the number of trips per day will increase to 26. This improvement will result in a maximum contribution from the Municipality of Pavia to the manager of the local public transport service Autoguidovie of 70,279.31 Euros.
The population welcomed this initiative with interest. Traders see this change as an opportunity to attract more visitors, while residents appreciate the prospect of a less busy and quieter centre. Even the cultural and promotional associations of the area have expressed a favorable opinion, seeing new possibilities for organizing events that can liven up summer evenings.
However, there is no shortage of critical voices. Some believe that diverting buses could create congestion problems on alternative routes and fear that the upgrade of Line 3 Center may not be enough to meet demand. Only time will tell if the initiative will be a real success for the city centre. The important thing is to proceed with caution and attention, listening to the different needs and working together for an increasingly beautiful and livable historic center of Pavia. The key to success will lie in the ability to transform this initiative into an opportunity for growth and development for the city, while ensuring the well-being of all its citizens.
