Student transport shortages spark protests in Italy

Families and unions in Italy are raising alarms over deteriorating student transport services due to driver shortages and overcrowding. In the Reggio Emilia area, residents of Massenzatico have contacted the Fit Cisl union to report that Seta buses are too full for students to board, forcing families to use private cars. The union reports a shortage of approximately 25 drivers at Seta, with up to 40 missing across the local public transport network. Additionally, the union has criticized changes to winter shifts and an increase in split shifts for approximately 160 drivers.

In the Marche region, Contram Mobilità has responded to complaints from parents in Montelupone regarding the Recanati school route. While the company has introduced a larger bus for morning trips to address overcrowding and ensure students are not left at stops, no solution has been provided for the afternoon return trips. The company stated that providing direct routes or additional buses for specific towns is not feasible due to limited resources and funding.