Local public transport (the so-called “urban service” which will be managed by SAIS, which already operates in Syracuse, Enna and Milazzo) will start from July 1st under the slogan “Modica si Move”. AST, which in recent months had announced its withdrawal , will leave the field to the new company which has already presented a project, examined by the local police offices, which is responsible for the management and control of the service, under the direction of councilor Antonio Drago, which was presented last Friday at a conference press at Palazzo della Cultura. SAIS will ensure the urban lines for the next two years with a direct assignment permitted by law, given the urgency of not interrupting a public service, Al Municipality 1,528,547.13 euros, a sum largely financed, as has always been the case with AST, by the Sicily Region.
“Modica – said Drago – will present a real revolution on TPL and will be attractive to everyone. Until today, in fact, those who used public transport did so because they were forced by the fact of not having a car or a driving licence, we intend to become a plausible option for traveling by public transport. To do this, many interventions have been implemented and for this we must thank the Local Police, the commander, Cannizzaro, his deputy, Ruta, and Commissioner Elvira Belviglio, for all they have done together with us to achieve the objective they had in mind. There is a very strong component of technological innovation with a support app, with an artificial intelligence system that will also give some advice on what to do in the city. We also looked at the sustainability component, because today more than ever we cannot fail to talk about sustainable mobility, so there will all be new generation buses which will also be accessible with a platform for people with disabilities. Another important innovation – continues Drago – will be the presence for the first time in the Municipality of a management software for data analysis which will allow us to understand which line works, which not and how we can intervene not only to improve that line same but also to add another”.
The project includes lines that will connect the hamlets of Marina di Modica and Maganuco to the city. line strongly desired by the municipal administration – explains the councilor- . The service will be available until late at night to allow, especially young people, to reach the seaside village safely” .
Present at the press conference, in addition to the mayor and the Honorable Abbate, also the commander of the Local Police, the Director Sais Autolinee Spa, Vincenzo Asaro, and the ITS Autorute Project manager, Davide Mangerini.
The latter illustrated the innovations that will specifically be introduced. The cost of the ticket will remain unchanged, therefore it will be 1.20 euros per ride.
“We must ensure – said Asaro – that citizens approach public service in a different way. The public service, in fact, must be attractive, the population must understand that it is a convenient service, useful so that cars can be used less and less and thus achieving that ‘modal shift’, i.e. a change in the ways of moving which is the objective that the administrations set themselves.”
