Calabria transport reform sparks political debate over ART-CAL replacement

Political debate is intensifying in Calabria regarding the proposed reform of the local public transport system (TPL). The reform involves the suppression of the existing public entity, ART-CAL, and its replacement with a new joint-stock company (S.p.A.).

Opposition leaders, including Filomena Greco of Casa Riformista–Italia Viva and Elisa Scutellà of the Movimento 5 Stelle, have criticized the regional government's approach. They have raised concerns about the speed of the reform, questioning why a public law entity is being replaced by a private-style company despite recent regional plans suggesting the strengthening of ART-CAL. Critics argue the move lacks transparency and risks delaying essential service tenders, potentially leading to fines from the European Union for competition violations.

Conversely, some local representatives, such as Antonio Megna of Crotone, have expressed support for the regional transport plan, noting its potential to improve accessibility to hospitals, schools, and regional mobility hubs through better integration of rail and road services.