What criteria were followed to decide which runs from Campobasso to Rome (and vice versa) to eliminate from the service contract with Trenitalia? And what alternatives are planned to be implemented to limit the inconvenience for commuters from Molise?
Questions to which the President of the Region Francesco Roberti, who retained the Transport delegation for himself, is called to answer in the question signed by the 5s councilors Roberto Gravina and Angelo Primiani.
Gravina, in particular, underlines that «railway mobility represents an essential service for many Molise citizens, facilitating daily travel to the main cities and places of work and study. The importance of these trips is particularly felt by commuters, students and workers, including people with disabilities or reduced mobility. It is necessary to provide the citizens of Molise with an efficient and functional rail transport service that guarantees full satisfaction of the constitutionally sanctioned right to mobility and it is also fundamental for the Molise Region to offer a service in line with the budget and economic planning”.
In recent days, it was first the commuters who protested and made their voices heard about the rescheduling of trips to the capital and then, immediately afterwards, the Trenitalia workers themselves.
The new timetables include the cancellation of the 7.45am service from Isernia to Rome (no alternatives are foreseen). Furthermore, of the two daily trains, the one at 7.35pm and 8.35pm, both from Rome Termini to Isernia, only one will be operated at 8.15pm. Furthermore, the cancellation on the Campobasso – Caserta route (also in this case now active only to and from Isernia for electrification works) of the trains: Caserta – Isernia at 8.10 and Isernia – Caserta at 4.50 is expected.
«The suppression of these trips as defined following agreements between the Molise Region and Trenitalia, agreed in a meeting which took place on 9 May to discuss changes to the operating programme, could cause significant inconvenience for the citizens of Molise , especially for those who have inflexible work and study schedules”, adds Gravina who insists on the importance of ensuring that the revision of routes fully meets the needs of commuters. «It is essential that every decision is made considering the real needs of those who use these services on a daily basis. What alternative measures are planned to be put in place to minimize the negative impact on citizens if the cancellation of travel is confirmed? In this regard, it is no coincidence that just last February I filed a question, for which I am still awaiting an answer, also on the replacement road service to ask to know what the amount that the Molise Region pays to Trenitalia for the only replacement road service (with specification of the recognized mileage reimbursement) and if the same corresponds to the same amount recognized for the journeys made by train. Furthermore, I asked to know if the Molise Region is aware of the amounts paid by Trenitalia to external companies that carry out the replacement service on behalf of Trenitalia (with specification of the recognized mileage reimbursement)”.
Ultimately, with the question presented yesterday, the two Five Star representatives ask the regional council to clarify what measures will be adopted and above all what criteria have been used for these choices, to ensure that the remodulation of the races really adequately responds to the needs of the citizens and minimize negative impacts. It is crucial – Gravina reiterates in closing – that the needs of commuters, students and all workers who use these services on a daily basis are taken into consideration and for this very purpose we have asked to know if meetings are planned with representatives of the railway companies to discuss the problems relating to rail transport in Molise and find solutions that safeguard the interests of citizens”.
Print Article
