[ad_1]
A solution has been found to the dispute over the Tilo regional trains between Switzerland and Italy. Trains can again cross the borders between Ticino and Lombardy. SBB announced Friday in a press release.
According to this, the trains will operate again from December 13, 2020 without interruption. Cross-border travelers traveling to Ticino for work had to change trains at Chiasso TI due to the disruption.
Politics solves the problem
Reason for dispute: Italian authorities had imposed strict crown requirements on SBB. SBB resisted this and suspended all cross-border connections between Switzerland and Italy for an indefinite period. Those who suffer: Italian cross-border travelers.
Then politics joined the argument. Federal President Simonetta Sommaruga (60) and Italian Transport Minister Paola De Micheli (47) reached an agreement. The Gotthard axis and the Simplon axis can be reused by two pairs of trains each day.
“The Italian authorities have assured us that regional cross-border traffic can get back to work,” an SBB spokeswoman told VIEW. The aspect of the negotiated solution is still uncertain: “The implementation is still developing.”
Strict Italian conditions
Politicians had previously found a solution for Eurocity trains. They also run between the two countries again, albeit in a small number. BLICK reported.
The Italian requirements were strict: SBB staff were supposed to measure the body temperature of each traveler before crossing the border. Travelers must also show a negative corona test, which was done within 48 hours before entering the country.
In addition, passengers must declare the purpose of the trip. SBB should then forward the information to the Italian authorities. That was asking too much, SBB complained. Staff were not trained in such protocols, he said. (vnf)
