Emilia-Romagna transport sector developments

The public transport sector in Emilia-Romagna is experiencing divergent trends between road and rail services.

Private road passenger transport companies are facing significant financial instability, with the CAIPET committee reporting estimated annual losses of nearly 10 million euros. This deficit, averaging 43 cents per kilometer, is attributed to a 37% increase in diesel prices between March and September 2026, alongside rising costs for labor, insurance, and maintenance. Operators are calling for extraordinary funding and a permanent negotiating table with regional authorities to ensure service continuity.

In response to these economic pressures, the Emilia-Romagna region has approved a budget variation to allocate €30 million to mitigate rising energy and fuel costs. This measure, initiated by Budget Assessor Davide Baruffi and led by President Michele de Pascale, designates €10 million for local public transport to address approximately €15 million in rising fuel and energy expenses, with diesel costs accounting for nearly €8.9 million. The remaining €20 million is allocated to the regional healthcare service to counter an energy expenditure increase of over €20.2 million compared to 2026 estimates. President de Pascale stated the intervention aims to “protect essential public services, specifically health and mobility, during a complex economic phase.” The measure is expected to proceed to the Legislative Assembly for a vote by mid-November.

Additionally, approximately 35 million euros have been designated for the agricultural, fishing, and aquaculture sectors to mitigate production cost increases and climate risks.

In contrast, Ferrovie Emilia-Romagna (FER) reported a 20.2% increase in passenger numbers for 2025, totaling over 5.4 million travelers. The rail network is undergoing significant infrastructure improvements, including electrification efforts and safety system updates, supported by planned investments exceeding 400 million euros.