Lombardy highway tolls: end of free travel for cross-border workers

Context

In brief

• Mandatory toll on the Corda Molle from May 1, 2026
• 50% discount for residents of 22 municipalities
• Benefits coming for commuters

Key facts

• What: Introduction of highway toll
• When: From May 1, 2026
• Where: Corda Molle Highway, Lombardy
• Who: Province of Brescia, Autovia Padana
• Amount: 50% discount for residents

After just two months of free access, travel on the Corda Molle highway in Lombardy becomes toll-based for everyone. The decision, official as of April 27, 2026, comes into effect on May 1, 2026. A bitter turn for users, following hypotheses of extending the free access. The long standoff between the Province of Brescia, mayors, and industry associations concludes with the introduction of the toll, albeit with significant benefits.

Benefits for residents

The concessionaire Autovia Padana will apply a 50% reduction on the toll cost for all residents of the 22 municipalities located along the route or within a two-kilometer radius of the infrastructure. This benefit, equal to that already provided for citizens of Brescia, will remain valid for the entire duration of the concession, i.e., until 2043.

To take advantage of the discounted rate, resident citizens must follow a specific procedure: registration on the official Autovia Padana portal, verification of data and residence in the territory of the agreed municipalities. The discount is applicable to holders of tele-toll contracts or those who activate the License Plate Account service. Those who do not have these systems can pay the toll within 15 days via the FreFlow A21 app or on the concessionaire's website. The possibility of cash payment at the dedicated Infopoint remains active.

News for commuters

While the toll becomes a reality, the Province of Brescia is working to extend protections to those who regularly use the route for work reasons, regardless of residence. The goal is to introduce a discount model based on frequency, similar to that already adopted for other national infrastructures: the more crossings are made in a month, the greater the savings. Although there is no definite date for the activation of this measure, the Province aims to make it operational in the shortest time possible.

For cross-border workers who work in Ticino and use the Corda Molle highway, this new regulation represents a significant change. It is important to monitor the developments of the benefits for commuters, which could offer significant savings for those who use the infrastructure daily.

Implications for cross-border workers

Cross-border workers who use the Corda Molle highway to reach their workplace in Ticino will have to adapt to the new provisions. For those residing in the 22 municipalities benefiting from the 50% discount, the cost of the toll will be more contained. However, for those not residing in these areas, the cost could significantly impact the monthly budget.

It is crucial to keep an eye on the news regarding the benefits for commuters, which could offer significant savings for those who use the highway daily. The Province of Brescia has announced that it is working to extend protections to those who regularly use the route for work reasons, regardless of residence. This could represent a solution for cross-border workers who do not benefit from the 50% discount.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before May 1, 2026, travel on the Corda Molle highway was free for all users. The new regulation introduces a radical change, with the introduction of the toll for everyone, albeit with benefits for residents and potential discounts for commuters. This represents a step back from the previous free access, but the benefits provided could mitigate the impact on citizens and cross-border workers who use the infrastructure daily.

For cross-border workers who work in Ticino, it is important to carefully evaluate the new provisions and potential benefits. Monitoring the developments of the benefits for commuters could offer significant savings opportunities, making the use of the Corda Molle highway less burdensome.

Operational details

Procedure to activate the discount

To benefit from the reduced rate, residents must follow a specific procedure: 1. Registration: Register on the official Autovia Padana portal. 2. Verification: Confirm your data and residence in the territory of the affiliated municipalities. 3. Payment methods: The discount applies to holders of tele-toll contracts or those who activate the License Plate Account service.

Those who do not have these systems can pay the toll within 15 days via the FreFlow A21 app or on the concessionaire's website. The option to pay in cash at the dedicated Infopoint remains active.

Comparison with other infrastructures

The Province of Brescia is working to introduce a frequency-based discount model, similar to that already adopted for other national infrastructures. This model rewards those who use the highway more frequently, offering discounts proportional to the number of transits made in a month.

Possible Scenarios

For cross-border workers using the Corda Molle highway to reach their workplace in Ticino, there are several possible scenarios:

• Residents in the 22 beneficiary municipalities: They will be able to benefit from a 50% discount on the toll.
• Frequent commuters: They might benefit from discounts based on the frequency of transits.
• Non-residents in the 22 municipalities: They will have to pay the full toll, unless further concessions are introduced.

Tax Implications

The introduction of the toll could have tax implications for cross-border workers. It is important to verify whether the cost of the toll is tax-deductible or can be considered a deductible expense. Consulting an accountant or tax expert can help clarify any doubts.

Comparison with other regions

In other Italian regions, such as Veneto and Emilia-Romagna, toll systems with concessions for residents and commuters are already in place. These models could offer interesting insights for Lombardy, which could take inspiration from these experiences to improve the discount system.

Conclusions

The introduction of the toll on the Corda Molle highway represents a significant change for cross-border workers who use this infrastructure to reach their workplace in Ticino. The concessions provided for residents and commuters could mitigate the impact of the new system, but it is important to monitor developments and carefully evaluate the available options.

For cross-border workers, it is essential to stay updated on news regarding commuter concessions and verify whether the cost of the toll can be tax-deductible. Consulting a tax expert can help clarify any doubts and optimize the management of expenses.

Key points

What to do now

For cross-border workers using the Corda Molle motorway, it's important to follow these steps: 1. Verify your residence: Check if you reside in one of the 22 municipalities eligible for the 50% discount. 2. Register on the Autovia Padana portal: Complete the registration to benefit from the reduced fare. 3. Activate telepeage or Conto Targa: Choose the most convenient payment method. 4. Monitor updates: Stay informed about commuter benefits and check if the toll cost can be deducted for tax purposes.

Useful tools

To help cross-border workers manage the new regulations, Frontaliere Ticino offers a series of useful tools:

• Toll calculator: To estimate the toll cost based on the number of crossings.
• Discount comparator: To compare available benefits and choose the best option.
• Tax guide: To verify if the toll cost can be deducted for tax purposes.

Final CTA

For more information and to use our tools, visit the toll calculator and the discount comparator. Staying updated on news and checking available benefits can make a difference in managing the new regulations on the Corda Molle motorway.

Source: comozero.it