Biella approves technical study to restore Piazzo funicular

The Municipality of Biella has approved a technical study to restore the Piazzo funicular, which has been out of service since September 1, 2025, due to frequent breakdowns and rising maintenance costs. The upcoming study will define the necessary engineering solutions, estimated costs, and implementation timelines.

This initiative follows ongoing discussions with the Piedmont Region regarding technical complexities and administrative constraints related to previous European Union funding. Currently, the connection between Biella Piano and Piazzo is maintained via replacement bus services.

Mayor Marzio Olivero stated that the administration aims to address the root cause of the service disruptions rather than merely managing individual failures. He criticized the previous decision by the Cavicchioli administration to convert the historic funicular into an inclined elevator, noting that the resulting technical issues have become an unsustainable burden for the city.