Flickr: Marcin Wichary
Italy’s largest train operator, Trenitalia, and the Italian Federation of Friends of the Bicycle (FIAB) have agreed to work together to allow cyclists to travel more easily by rail. The two organisations have set up a joint working group, which is accompanied by investments by Trenitalia for cyclists travelling on their trains.
This includes more space for bicycles in train carriages and the refurbishment of 180 train stations to make them accessible to cyclists. Through their cooperation, Trenitalia and FIAB are supporting the development of sustainable mobility throughout Italy, and particularly the possibility to combine sustainable transport modes in one journey.
Renovations and replacement of Trenitalia trains to accommodate cyclists is expected to cost approximately €60 billion and will begin with updates to regional trains in the densely populated regions of Campania, Lazio, Piemonte and Veneto. Refurbishment of the 180 stations will be carried out in cooperation with Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, Italy’s rail network operator. Planned refurbishments include bicycle parking and maintenance facilities, ramps to access platforms, and integration of municipal bike-sharing schemes where they exist.
See more at: http://www.eltis.org/discover/news/train-operator-and-cycling-advocates-agree-cooperation-italy#sthash.lHsfVDDf.dpuf
