More Trains and Buses Between Ticino and Lombardy (cross-border guide)

The agreement between Canton Ticino and Lombardy Region has been signed: enhanced rail and bus connections with integrated tickets for sustainable mobility.

Contesto

In brief - More trains and buses between Ticino and Lombardy - Integrated tickets to simplify travel - New railway services and enhanced bus network - What: Agreement to enhance cross-border public transport - When: Signed today, Tuesday - Where: Milan - Who: Canton Ticino (Claudio Zali, Arnoldo Coduri) and Lombardy Region (Attilio Fontana, Franco Lucente) - Goal: Strengthen connections, promote sustainable mobility A significant step forward for cross-border mobility was taken today in Milan with the signing of an agreement between Canton Ticino and the Lombardy Region. The agreement, signed by the President of the Ticino State Council Claudio Zali and Lombardy Governor Attilio Fontana, updates a previous pact from April 29, 2020, and solidifies a 15-year collaboration aimed at enhancing public transport services and promoting intermodality between the two regions. The agreement translates into an increase in train and bus services, with a particular focus on improving fare integration to make travel simpler and more convenient for citizens. The new measures aim to encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport, addressing a growing demand for efficient and extensive mobility solutions that effectively connect urban and peripheral areas on both sides of the border. This initiative is part of a broader framework of regional cooperation designed to improve quality of life and support economic development through modern and integrated transport infrastructure. The joint commitment of Ticino and Lombardy authorities underscores the strategic importance of cross-border connections for the region, highlighting a shared determination to tackle contemporary mobility challenges through innovative and collaborative solutions. The agreement also includes progres...

Dettagli operativi

New Lines and Frequencies for an Enhanced Public Transport The newly signed agreement between Canton Ticino and the Lombardy Region introduces significant changes in railway services, aiming to make cross-border travel faster and more efficient. Among the main updates, the S10 line that starts in Bellinzona will be extended to Merone-Erba, thus expanding its reach and offering new connection options for commuters and travelers. At the same time, the S50 line will be split into the new RE50, a change that promises faster and more direct links between Lugano and the Varese-Malpensa airport, a strategic hub for international travelers. In addition, the introduction of the new S90 line is planned, which will connect Switzerland with Como and Molteno, further strengthening the cross-border railway network. Looking ahead, the pact foresees an increase in the frequency of the RE80 train that connects Milan and Locarno: services will go from one per hour to one every 30 minutes, a doubling that will make the service significantly more attractive and flexible for users. These changes affect not only trains but also the cross-border bus network, which will be reinforced with new connections aimed at linking the provinces of Como and Varese with Canton Ticino. The emphasis on intermodality, with particular focus on links to railway stations, aims to create an integrated public-transport ecosystem where changing mode becomes a simple and convenient operation. The goal is to reduce reliance on private cars while promoting sustainable and accessible mobility options for all citizens, both commuters and tourists. The president of the Ticino Government, Claudio Zali, emphasized that the railway services introduced in recent years have already shown the population's willingness to choos...

Punti chiave

Towards a Single Digital Ticket: Simplifying Travel for Commuters The cross-border agreement between the Canton of Ticino and the Lombardy Region is not limited to enhancing infrastructure and public transport services, but places a strong emphasis on simplifying access to and use of public transport through complete tariff integration. The goal is clear: to make cross-border travel more convenient and less complicated for everyone. This will result in the completion of the integrated ticket and subscription offer between the two territories, allowing travelers to use a single travel document to move easily between Switzerland and Italy. The evolution towards interoperable digital ticketing systems represents another fundamental pillar of this agreement. The introduction of advanced technologies will enable the development of ticket purchase and validation solutions that are compatible on both networks, a decisive step towards modernizing and increasing the efficiency of services. This digital approach will not only simplify the user experience but also pave the way for new forms of passenger flow management and greater flexibility in tariff offers. The agreement also includes the strengthening of the cross-border bus network, with the creation of new connections between the provinces of Como and Varese and the Canton of Ticino, improving intermodality and facilitating access to train stations. 'The rail services introduced in recent years have shown that the population is ready to opt for more sustainable means of transport provided they have a frequent and quality offer,' said Claudio Zali, President of the Ticino Government, highlighting how the further developments agreed upon will lead to new connections benefiting the territories, the environment, and the economy....

Punti chiave

[{"q":"What are the main innovations foreseen by the transport agreement between Ticino and Lombardy?","a":"The agreement includes the introduction of new rail services such as the extension of the S10 to Merone-Erba, the new RE50 from Lugano to Varese-Malpensa, and the S90 to Como and Molteno. In the long term, the frequency of the RE80 Milan-Locarno line will double to one service every 30 minutes. Cross-border buses will also be strengthened, and integrated and digital ticketing will be developed."},{"q":"What benefits will fare integration bring?","a":"The goal of fare integration is to simplify cross-border public transport usage, making it more affordable. The aim is to complete the offering of integrated tickets and passes and to evolve towards interoperable digital ticketing systems between Switzerland and Italy."},{"q":"How will road connections be strengthened?","a":"The agreement includes strengthening the network of cross-border buses and creating new connections between the provinces of Como and Varese and the Canton of Ticino. These initiatives aim to improve intermodality, increasing connections with railway stations."},{"q":"What is the long-term vision for the RE80 Milan-Locarno train?","a":"In the long term, an increase in the frequency of the RE80 Milan-Locarno train is planned. Currently running once an hour, it will increase to one service every 30 minutes, offering a significantly more frequent and attractive service for travelers."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main innovations foreseen by the transport agreement between Ticino and Lombardy?
The agreement includes the introduction of new rail services such as the extension of the S10 to Merone-Erba, the new RE50 from Lugano to Varese-Malpensa, and the S90 to Como and Molteno. In the long term, the frequency of the RE80 Milan-Locarno line will double to one service every 30 minutes. Cross-border buses will also be strengthened, and integrated and digital ticketing will be developed.
What benefits will fare integration bring?
The goal of fare integration is to simplify cross-border public transport usage, making it more affordable. The aim is to complete the offering of integrated tickets and passes and to evolve towards interoperable digital ticketing systems between Switzerland and Italy.
How will road connections be strengthened?
The agreement includes strengthening the network of cross-border buses and creating new connections between the provinces of Como and Varese and the Canton of Ticino. These initiatives aim to improve intermodality, increasing connections with railway stations.
What is the long-term vision for the RE80 Milan-Locarno train?
In the long term, an increase in the frequency of the RE80 Milan-Locarno train is planned. Currently running once an hour, it will increase to one service every 30 minutes, offering a significantly more frequent and attractive service for travelers.

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