Bus Rapid Transit projects cause mobility and accessibility issues in Italy

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure projects in Italian cities are causing significant local disruptions. In Bari, construction for the new transit network has led to accessibility issues for citizens with disabilities. A resident reported that a designated parking space for her brother, who uses a wheelchair, was removed due to the works; while the municipality assigned a new spot, the lack of proper signage and road markings has rendered it unusable, creating physical barriers to mobility.

In Trapani, the BRT project has sparked intense debate between the local administration and residents. While the city government views the system—which features dedicated lanes and priority signaling—as a necessary modernization of urban mobility, critics point to traffic congestion, the loss of parking, and economic impacts on local businesses. The project involves significant changes to the city's layout, including new lanes and roundabouts, with officials aiming for completion by the start of the school year.