Italy expands rail and bus services in Sezze as Intercity network liberalization proceeds

Astral Spa announced a comprehensive upgrade of local public transport in the municipality of Sezze, Lazio. Starting 6 August, most bus routes (UDR 10) will see extended hours and tighter coordination with train arrivals at Sezze Scalo station, aiming to cut waiting times and better serve commuters. The changes were presented by Giuseppe Simeone, Astral’s sole administrator, as a joint effort with the Lazio region and the Sezze municipal administration.

At the national level, the Italian government has revised its plan to liberalise the Intercity rail service. After negotiations with the European Commission, the plan now splits the network into multiple competitive lots rather than a single national package. Trenitalia will remain a key operator and may bid for individual lots, while the new structure is intended to allow other companies to enter the market. The reform seeks to improve service quality and maintain state subsidies for less profitable routes, though it may also introduce complexities for passengers transferring between lots.