Travelers planning to navigate the streets of Milan and Florence on Friday, February 14th, should prepare for potential disruptions due to a one-day strike involving multiple public transport operators.
Milan’s Public Transport Details
In Milan, the Al Cobas union has initiated the strike, voicing its opposition to the liberalization and privatization of ATM’s public transport services.
They’re also calling for a €150 increase in net salaries for all employees, aiming to remedy issues arising from national contract agreements that they feel do not adequately meet workers’ needs.
On the ground in Milan, expect significant alterations to the operations of buses, trams, and subways managed by ATM throughout the day.
However, travelers can breathe a sigh of relief as regional trains, long-distance services, and taxis will run as normal.
Be mindful of two critical time slots for potential service interruptions: between 8:45 AM to 3:00 PM and from 6:00 PM until the end of the day’s operations.
On a positive note, services will maintain their regular schedule from midnight to 8:45 AM and again from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM to accommodate morning and evening commuters.
Reflecting on previous strikes, when around 20% of ATM staff participated back in October 2024, it’s advisable for passengers to stay up to date on developments.
Checking the ATM website or mobile app for live updates on service changes is a good idea.
Florence’s Transportation Landscape
In Florence, Autolinee Toscane has cautioned passengers about possible delays and cancellations to its bus services due to the strike.
They plan to ensure a minimum service level during two key periods: early morning from 4:15 AM to 8:14 AM and lunchtime from 12:30 PM to 2:29 PM.
Buses scheduled outside these hours may operate based on the extent of worker participation in the strike.
Looking back at previous strikes, participation among OSP Cobas supporters reached about 18.5% in 2022, signaling a potentially varied service on Friday.
For the latest updates, passengers can check the Autolinee Toscane website or the AT bus app.
GES is also bracing for service interruptions with its tram network but assures riders that operations during the crucial peak hours—6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM—will run as planned.
Outside of these times, the availability of tram services will be determined by staff participation.
Historical data from a recent strike indicated a striking 53% level of participation, highlighting the unpredictability ahead.
Preparing for Disruptions
Passengers seeking timely updates are encouraged to visit GEST’s website and social media channels for real-time information.
While these impending disruptions may present some obstacles, travelers are advised to remain flexible and well-informed to fully enjoy their adventures in the stunning cities of Milan and Florence!