Trains Halted Stabio-Gallarate: Greens Criticize Region & Trenord (cross-border guide)

Context

In Brief

• What: Closure of Stabio-Gallarate Line for Infrastructure Enhancement Works
• When: From June 7 to July 5
• Where: Stabio-Gallarate Line

Key Facts

• What: Infrastructure enhancement works to improve line capacity and safety
• When: Until July 5, impacting approximately 20 working days
• Where: Stabio-Gallarate, a crucial line for commuter traffic between Ticino and Lombardy
• Who: Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (Rfi) for works, Lombardy Region and Trenord for substitute service management
• Substitute Service Availability: Inadequate, with about 1200 daily seats available vs. 2500 user needs The closure of the Stabio-Gallarate railway line, which started on June 7 and is scheduled until July 5, is causing significant disruptions to over 5,000 daily passengers on weekdays, peaking at 6,200 on Fridays. According to the Varese section of Europa Verde, the primary cause of these issues is the inadequacy of the substitute service, with drivers lacking detailed instructions, skipping stops (at least 15 documented cases in the first week), and taking wrong routes due to poor planning by the Region and Trenord. > “The closure of this line, especially during work and school periods, causes user discomfort mainly due to the inadequate substitute service. Station stops have been omitted, and drivers, without precise instructions, skip stops or take wrong routes, all due to poor planning by the Region and Trenord”
• Europa Verde Varese

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Operational details

Practical Implications for Swiss Commuters

The situation on the Stabio-Gallarate route, with a prolonged closure of over a month for the installation of the ERTMS Level 2 system, raises broader questions about the management of public transport in cross-border areas. In contrast, Switzerland has demonstrated greater efficiency: for example, the route from Mendrisio to Lugano was closed for only 48 hours in June 2025 for similar works. This comparison highlights significant differences in project management and minimal impact on users.

• Impact on Cross-Border Workers: Approximately 5,000 Italian cross-border workers are employed in Switzerland, mainly in the cantons of Lugano and Zurich. Many of them could be directly affected by the closure of the Stabio-Gallarate route, significantly impacting their daily routine.
• Regulations and Coordination: The EU Directive 2014/24/EU on public procurement requires the planning of efficient substitute services during maintenance works. However, the lack of coordination between Italian and Swiss authorities (particularly between the Lombardy Region and the Canton of Ticino) to minimize inconveniences for cross-border workers who regularly use this line is a critical aspect.
• Operational Checklist for Better Coordination:

1. Shared Planning: Quarterly meetings between Italian and Swiss authorities. 2. Substitute Services: Special buses with a frequency of every 30 minutes. 3. Communication: Real-time updates on mobile apps and websites.

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Key points

Concrete Actions for Users

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