New Lombardy-Ticino deal: more trains and buses for commuters

Context

At a glance

• Agreement signed today at Palazzo Lombardia
• Enhanced RE80 Milan-Locarno trains every 30 minutes
• Fare integration and more buses between Italy and Switzerland

Key facts

• What: New deal for cross-border mobility between Lombardy Region and Canton Ticino
• When: Signed this morning (exact date not specified in the source)
• Where: Palazzo Lombardia, Milan
• Who: President Attilio Fontana, councillor Franco Lucente, president Claudio Zali, chancellor Arnoldo Coduri
• Amount: Not specified in the source

The agreement, which strengthens a partnership that has been ongoing for 15 years and updates a previous document from April 29, 2020, was signed this morning at Palazzo Lombardia by Governor Attilio Fontana, the regional councillor for Transport and Sustainable Mobility Franco Lucente, and, for Canton Ticino of the Swiss Confederation, by State Council President Claudio Zali and State Chancellor Arnoldo Coduri.

President Fontana emphasized that the agreement is a practical example of Lombardy Region's vision for mobility: a pragmatic approach that puts local needs first, focusing on sustainability that best combines environmental, economic, and social aspects. With this deal, which makes the transport system even more efficient in a strategically important area like Canton Ticino, the needs of thousands of citizens, cross-border workers, students, and tourists who travel daily between Lombardy and Switzerland are addressed.

According to data provided by the source, Lombardy sees over 200 million train passengers per year and about 800,000 daily users. In recent years, Regio Express lines (offering fast links between provincial capitals, Milan, neighboring regions, and Canton Ticino) and regional lines have grown considerably, now serving over 350,000 passengers each day.

Fontana added that these results prove the efficiency of Lombardy's rail system, confirmed even during the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics, when demand grew significantly, with 1.3 million additional travelers, 120 extra daily services, and a major increase in supply of over 200,000 km.

Councillor Lucente highlighted that the agreement raises the bar even higher, making cross-border mobility even more efficient, with a cutting-edge transport offering in an area that is key for both the economy and tourism. Specifically, work is underway in synergy with all involved parties to increase the frequency of the Regio Express RE80 Milan-Locarno, aiming for a train every 30 minutes.

State Council President Claudio Zali expressed satisfaction at confirming the shared goals, which will strengthen mobility links between the two regions. He explained that rail services introduced in recent years have shown that residents are ready to choose more sustainable transport, provided there is a frequent and high-quality service. The further developments agreed will bring new connections benefiting local communities, the environment, and the economy.

Zali also pointed out that the most innovative and groundbreaking aspect of the agreement is the possibility to extend collaboration in the public bus sector, opening up new prospects. He gave the example that having widespread public bus services and park-and-ride facilities will encourage more rational car use.

Finally, Zali recalled that Fontana's administration has greatly supported Canton Ticino over the years, and that lifting the cabotage ban lays the legal foundation for even more effective cooperation.

Operational details

What changes for daily cross-border commuters

With the increased frequency of the RE80 Milan-Locarno train to one service every 30 minutes, cross-border commuters using the rail route between Milan and Locarno will be able to reduce waiting times at the station and have greater flexibility in their departure and return schedules. This is particularly relevant for those living in the provinces of Varese, Como, Lecco, and Monza and working in Lugano, Bellinzona, or Locarno.

The tariff integration provided for in the agreement aims to simplify the purchase of tickets and season passes valid on both trains and cross-border buses. Although the source does not specify the new tariffs, the goal is to avoid the need to buy separate tickets for each leg, thus reducing overall travel costs.

The enhancement of public road transport mentioned by Zali could translate into new bus lines connecting major border crossings such as Brogeda, Chiasso, and Ponte Tresa to Ticino urban centers. For cross-border commuters who currently use their cars to reach their workplace, a more extensive bus service offers a sustainable alternative, especially if accompanied by park-and-ride facilities near the border.

It's worth remembering that, in addition to mobility, cross-border commuters must manage other fundamental aspects of their cross-border situation: the G permit to work in Switzerland, registration with AVS for their pension, contributions to LPP (occupational pension), the choice between LAMal or private health insurance, tax declarations, and withholding tax in Switzerland, as well as entitlement to Ticino meal allowances. These topics are not modified by today's agreement but remain pillars of cross-border working life.

For those considering switching from private to public transport, it may be helpful to compare the average monthly cost of fuel, tolls, and parking with the price of a regional rail season ticket or a combined train-bus pass. Although the source does not provide these figures, it's possible to use the calculation tools available on the site to get a personalized estimate.

In summary, the agreement offers cross-border commuters more sustainable travel options, potential time and money savings, and a step forward towards a more integrated transport network between Lombardy and Ticino.

Useful planning tools

To estimate your pension strategy, use the pension planner and the pillar 3 simulator.

Key points

How to take advantage of the new opportunities right away

1. Check the updated schedule of the RE80 Milan‑Locarno on the official Trenord and FFS websites; the goal is a train every 30 minutes, but you should verify any seasonal variations. 2. If you regularly use the train to get to work, assess whether a monthly or annual pass is cheaper than single tickets; many cross‑border workers find it worthwhile to switch to a pass when they make more than eight trips per month. 3. Ask the border municipal authorities (e.g., the towns of Cantù, Como or Varese) about possible new cross‑border bus lines and about interchange parking near the Brogeda or Chiasso crossings. 4. Keep the documentation required for your cross‑border worker status handy: valid G permit, AVS card, any LPP certificate and proof of LAMal or private health insurance coverage. 5. If you want to estimate the financial impact of switching to public transport, use the net‑salary calculator available on the site: salary calculator. This tool lets you enter your Swiss gross salary and see the AVS, LPP and withholding tax deductions, so you can compare the net amount with your travel expenses. 6. To monitor the CHF/EUR exchange rate, useful when you compare ticket prices in francs with your income in euros, consult the currency comparator: exchange comparator. 7. Finally, if you have questions about cross‑border health coverage, visit the health‑insurance guide: LAMal guide.

With these steps you can turn the new mobility opportunities into a concrete advantage for your work and personal routine.

Source: varesenoi.it