Tuscany regional council approves 18% rise in public‑transport fares

The Tuscany regional council voted on 16 June to raise local public‑transport ticket prices by 18%, taking effect on 1 August. The urban single‑ticket price will increase from €1.70 to €2.00 and a 12‑month pass will rise from €342.80 to €373.40, a €30.60 jump.

Local political groups have condemned the increase. Siena’s Fratelli d’Italia described the hike as "una vera e propria stangata per i cittadini" (a real gouge on citizens) and announced a motion to urge the mayor and the regional government to reconsider the tariff. In Empoli, the Buongiorno Empoli forum warned that "l'annunciato aumento delle tariffe … rappresenta una nuova penalizzazione" (the announced fare rise represents a new penalty) for daily commuters and called for more municipal funding and a single‑ticket system.

Both groups argue that the rise contradicts promises to make public transport more affordable and accessible, and they demand that the regional authorities revisit the fare policy.