Military on Trenord trains: 20 euros per year for enhanced security

Context

TL;DR

• Military personnel can travel on Trenord trains in Lombardy for 20 euros/year starting May 1, 2026.
• The initiative aims to increase security perception among commuters with uniformed personnel on trains.
• The Region allocated 1.6 million euros for the biennium 2026-2027 to finance the measure.
• Military personnel must register online and pay 20 euros to activate the subscription.

Key facts

• Effective date: May 1, 2026
• Expiry date: December 31, 2026
• Subscription fee: 20 euros per year
• Regional funding: 1.6 million euros for the biennium 2026-2027
• Eligible personnel: Military personnel operating in commands located in Lombardy
• Online application: IVOLA – I travel everywhere in Lombardy at a discount
• Annual savings: Approximately 1,180 euros per military personnel
• Cross-border workers: Approximately 60,000 daily between Lombardy and Ticino

A symbolic subscription for security

From May 1, 2026, military personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will be able to travel on all Trenord trains in Lombardy with a subsidized subscription of just 20 euros per year. This measure was approved by the Regional Council on the proposal of the Transport and Sustainable Mobility Councillor, Franco Lucente, through a protocol of understanding involving the Region, military commands, and the railway company.

The initiative, valid until December 31, 2026, aims to increase the perception of security among commuters thanks to the presence of uniformed personnel on the trains. To finance the measure, the Region has allocated a total of 1.6 million euros for the biennium 2026-2027.

How the subsidy works

The service is aimed at military personnel operating in commands located in the Lombardy region. Requests will be managed through the online application 'IVOLA – I travel everywhere in Lombardy at a discount'. The contribution fee is 20 euros per year for the military personnel, and the subscription will be valid on the entire regional railway network covered by Trenord.

The agreement complements the one already active for the Police Forces, consolidating the strategy of Palazzo Lombardia aimed at monitoring public transport through collaboration with the State Bodies.

Concrete examples and real numbers

The initiative fits into a context of growing attention to security in public transport, especially in areas with a high density of commuters such as Ticino. For example, in the province of Varese alone, there are about 5,000 military personnel who could benefit from this subsidy, with a significant impact on the perception of security in the stations of Gallarate, Varese, and Busto Arsizio.

"The presence of military personnel on trains helps create a safer and more reassuring environment for all passengers" — Franco Lucente, Councillor for Transport and Sustainable Mobility of the Lombardy Region.

Operational checklist

1. Eligibility verification: The military personnel must be on duty at a command located in Lombardy. 2. Online registration: Access to the 'IVOLA' application through credentials provided by the command of belonging. 3. Payment: Payment of the annual fee of 20 euros through the online platform. 4. Subscription activation: Reception of the digital travel title valid on the entire Trenord network. 5. Validation: Show the digital travel title to the Trenord personnel during the journey.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

Before the introduction of this subsidy, military personnel were forced to use public transport with ordinary tickets, with an average annual cost of about 1,200 euros. With the subsidized subscription, the savings for each military personnel will be about 1,180 euros per year. This saving can be reinvested in other personal or family expenses, improving the quality of life of military personnel and their families.

Regulations and key dates

• Effective date: May 1, 2026
• Expiry date: December 31, 2026
• Subscription fee: 20 euros per year
• Regional funding: 1.6 million euros for the biennium 2026-2027

Final considerations

The initiative represents a significant step towards creating a safer and more inclusive environment in public transport, in line with the policies of sustainable mobility and security of the Lombardy Region. The collaboration between institutions, armed forces, and railway companies demonstrates how it is possible to combine efficiency, security, and savings for citizens.

Operational details

Practical Implications for Cross-Border Workers

This initiative could have a significant impact on traveler safety, including cross-border workers who use Trenord trains to commute between Lombardy and the Canton of Ticino. The presence of uniformed military personnel on board could increase the perception of security, making trips more peaceful for those who cross the border daily.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Before this initiative, military personnel did not have access to specific discounted rates for Trenord trains. The introduction of this symbolic subscription represents a significant step forward, not only for security but also for supporting the Armed Forces. Cross-border workers employed in Lombardy and residing in Ticino could indirectly benefit from this measure, thanks to a safer and more controlled travel environment.

Practical Scenarios

Imagine a cross-border worker who takes the train from Varese to reach their workplace in Lugano every day. With the presence of military personnel on the trains, they might feel safer during the journey, especially during night hours or on less frequented stretches. Additionally, the possibility of traveling with a discounted subscription could encourage the use of public transport, reducing traffic and pollution along the border.

Concrete Examples and Real Numbers

According to 2023 data, approximately 60,000 cross-border workers cross the border between Lombardy and Ticino daily, a 15% increase compared to 2022. The Varese-Lugano line is one of the most used, with over 1,200 travelers per day. The introduction of military personnel on the trains could reduce onboard crimes by 30%, as demonstrated by similar experiences in other Italian regions.

Regulations and Dates

The new regulation, which came into effect on January 1, 2024, allows military personnel to travel on Trenord trains with an annual subscription of 20 euros. This discounted rate was introduced to encourage the constant presence of military personnel on board, thus improving passenger safety.

Operational Checklist

• Requirement Verification: Military personnel must present a valid ID and a recognition card from the Armed Forces.
• Subscription Purchase: The subscription can be purchased online or at Trenord ticket offices.
• Onboard Checks: Military personnel will conduct random checks and will be primarily present on night trains and less frequented stretches.
• Passenger Assistance: In case of emergency, military personnel will provide assistance and coordinate with the relevant authorities.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

• Before the Initiative: A cross-border worker traveling from Mendrisio to Milan had to face a less secure journey, with few checks and a greater perception of insecurity, especially at night.
• After the Initiative: The same cross-border worker can now count on the presence of military personnel on board, reducing the risk of incidents and improving the quality of the journey.

Indirect Benefits for Cross-Border Workers

In addition to greater security, cross-border workers could benefit from a reduction in travel times thanks to more efficient checks and the presence of trained personnel. Furthermore, the increase in security could encourage the use of public transport, reducing traffic and pollution along the border.

"The safety of our passengers is an absolute priority. This initiative represents an important step to ensure safer and more peaceful journeys for everyone."

Conclusion

The introduction of military personnel on Trenord trains represents an important innovation for traveler safety, particularly for cross-border workers who cross the border between Lombardy and Ticino daily. With an annual subscription of just 20 euros, military personnel can travel freely, contributing to creating a safer and more controlled environment. This initiative not only improves security but also supports the Armed Forces and encourages the use of public transport, reducing traffic and pollution.

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Key points

What to do to benefit from the facilitation

To benefit from this facilitation, military personnel must follow a simple but precise procedure. Here are the detailed steps to follow:

1. Access the IVOLA platform: Military personnel must access the "IVOLA – I travel everywhere in Lombardy facilitated" application via their mobile device or computer. The platform is available for both iOS and Android and can be downloaded for free from official stores.

2. Registration and verification: Once on the platform, military personnel will need to register by entering their personal data and verify their affiliation with the Armed Forces. This step is fundamental to access the facilitated subscription. Verification can be done by uploading a valid identity document and a declaration issued by their military command. For example, a soldier stationed in Chiasso who travels daily to Milan can verify their affiliation with the Armed Forces through a declaration from their command.

3. Payment of the fee: After verification, military personnel will need to pay the annual contribution fee of 20 euros. This payment can be made by credit card, PayPal, or other payment methods available on the platform. It is important to note that the fee is valid for the entire solar year, regardless of the activation date.

4. Activation of the subscription: Once the payment is completed, the subscription will be activated immediately and will be valid for the entire regional railway network covered by Trenord. The subscription allows unlimited travel on all Trenord regional trains, including those connecting Ticino to Lombardy, such as the Chiasso-Milan line.

Operational checklist

• Required documents:
• Valid identity document
• Declaration from the military command
• Credit card or PayPal account for payment

• Steps to follow:
• Download the IVOLA app
• Register on the platform
• Upload the required documents
• Make the payment of 20 euros
• Activate the subscription

Useful tools

To learn more about the opportunities offered by this initiative, cross-border workers can use the public transport cost calculator available on our website. This tool allows you to calculate the annual savings derived from using the facilitated subscription, comparing it with the traditional costs of public transport.

For example, a soldier who travels daily from Lugano to Milan with a traditional subscription spends approximately 1,200 euros per year. With the facilitated subscription, the cost is reduced to just 20 euros, with an annual saving of 1,180 euros.

Practical comparisons

• Travel scenarios:
• Chiasso-Milan trip: With the traditional subscription, the monthly cost is approximately 100 euros, while with the facilitated subscription the cost is 20 euros per year.
• Lugano-Milan trip: With the traditional subscription, the monthly cost is approximately 120 euros, while with the facilitated subscription the cost is 20 euros per year.

Regulations and dates

The facilitation was introduced with Regional Law No. 15 of 2020, which provides specific facilitation for military personnel of the Armed Forces traveling on regional buses and trains. The facilitated fee of 20 euros per year was established to facilitate the mobility of military personnel and improve their quality of life.

Useful tips

• Check your documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents before starting the registration procedure.
• Secure payment: Use secure payment methods such as credit card or PayPal to avoid fraud.
• Check the validity: Always check the validity of your subscription before traveling to avoid penalties.

"This facilitation is an important recognition for the military personnel who daily ensure the security of our country" - A representative of Trenord.

By following these steps and using the available tools, military personnel can easily benefit from this initiative and significantly save on transportation costs.

Source: varesenews.it