Consumers vs. Politics in turmoil. Matteo Salvini in the sights. And so, on the “Ryanair model” tailored to Trenitalia the counter-order was triggered quickly. At least for now, of course. A non-definitive stop awaiting a comparison which - in the users' expectations - leads to less drastic and more shared choices. The new Trenitalia rules on number of bags to bring on board Arrows have been suspended. They should have come into effect today, 1 March, but the company has decided to postpone the limitations established for the transport of suitcases, bikes and scooters. The decision, in fact made known close to its implementation, had aroused strong doubts on the part of consumer associations who had also highlighted the contradiction with the push already underway towards increasingly sustainable and integrated transport between the use of two wheels and the train.
Trenitalia baggage, what the new regulation says
The new regulation allows passengers to carry up to a maximum of two bags of luggage free of charge. For travel in second class and in Standard and Premium service levels, the sum of the total dimensions of the baggage (length plus width plus depth), including pockets, wheels and handles, must not exceed 161 centimeters (of which each dimension does not greater than 80 centimetres); for travel in first class and in the Executive and Business service levels the sum of the total dimensions of your baggage (length plus width plus depth), including pockets, wheels and handles, must not exceed 183 centimeters (of which each dimension does not greater than 120 centimetres).
Skis, prams, strollers, musical instruments, bicycles (all types, provided they are dismantled and/or foldable) and electric scooters can be transported in addition to the number of pieces of luggage allowed, provided that the sum of the total dimensions does not exceed 200 cm (length plus width plus depth).
Trenitalia luggage, the new rules for bikes
In the case of transporting a folding bicycle, the regulation states that it can be transported provided that it is appropriately closed, turned off (if electric) and placed in a special bag, the dimensions of which must not exceed 80x110x45 centimetres. Otherwise, you will not be able to get on board. The bicycle must be placed exclusively in the spaces dedicated to luggage and the bag cannot be stored near the train access doors, in the vestibules and in the transit corridors. Electric scooters must also be placed in a bag, it being understood that, as with bikes, only one device can be brought free of charge. Failure to comply with the rules both for the transport of luggage and bicycles and scooters will result in a fine of 50 euros.
Luggage, suspended rules: consumer reaction
“Excellent news, a victory for consumers,” he comments Maximilian Dona ofConsumers Union which renounces the announced report regarding Antitrust and the Transport Authority. “Everyone can make mistakes, the important thing is that we take note of them”. “Trenitalia's choice to discuss with consumers before introducing such stringent rules, some of which are difficult to understand, is right – states the president of the Codacons, Carlo Rienzi – Rail transport cannot be equated with air transport, and some limits adopted by low cost airlines are incompatible with the service offered by Trenitalia”. Me too'Udicon underlines the victory by highlighting how "the lack of transparency and clear and adequate communication on the new rules would have unfairly caused serious damage to all passengers". The new rules, remember Consumers Association e Assoc will be the subject of a meeting between all the associations and the company 6 March. “We appreciate the company's choice to postpone the start of the new measures pending discussion with consumer associations,” says the president of Absolute users, Gabriele Melluso: “Now we will work together with the company to improve the rules in the interest of passengers and commuters.”
Luggage Frecciarossa, Pd and M5S attack Salvini
In a note, the M5S deputies in the Transport commission, Antonino Iaria, Luciano Cantone, Roberto Traversi and Giorgio Fede they write: “Trenitalia's stop to the absurd regulation that placed indigestible limits on the transport of bikes, scooters and large suitcases is the minimum wage. From the press note we read that this is a suspension of the application, scheduled to start from March 1st, but in our opinion that crazy circular should be definitively archived. Salvini doesn't try to get the upper hand in his endless election rallies: even the cobblestones know his terrible opinions on bikes and scooters. Rather, work to convince Trenitalia to definitively overcome that regulation, which is wrong from top to bottom. Sustainable mobility must be supported, because we have come from a February marked by smog in a large part of Italy. From a publicly controlled company we expect correct messages."
And from dem. deputy in the Transport Committee of the Chamber, Andrea Casu: ”The Ryanair model for Trenitalia is wrong. We take positive note of the backtracking on the new regulation which, as we have denounced, would have led to increased costs and inefficiencies for travelers from March 1st. At this point, however, we want to be clear about the reasons and timing of this messy about-face. We would not like this wise decision to be just a ploy to avoid Transport Minister Salvini from controversy and complaints about poor services on the eve of important electoral steps".
