The Ente Autonomo Volturno (EAV) is reportedly planning to close the Naples-Nola-Baiano railway line from June 10th for three months. The suspension of the service, due to maintenance work, would cause serious inconvenience to hundreds of thousands of citizens of the Nola area, as reported Enzo Ciniglio and Salvatore Ferraro, spokesperson for the commuter committees “No to cutting trains Circumvesuviana” and “Circumvesuviana-Eav”.
“With this decision, EAV is taking away an essential service and increasing the travel difficulties of thousands of people,” Ciniglio and Ferraro affirm. “This is a violation of the right to work, to free movement, to health and to study, all principles guaranteed by the Italian Constitution.”
The two spokespeople criticize the lack of communication and involvement from EAV. “This decision was taken without any consultation with commuter, user and consumer associations, in defiance of the mobility charter,” they underline. “Furthermore, the company did not involve local institutions, such as mayors, the Metropolitan City and the Campania Region, creating a climate of complicit silence.”
Ciniglio and Ferraro also highlight the precariousness of the service offered by EAV for years.Closing an entire line for three months without even listening to commuters is an unacceptable act of arrogance,” they affirm. “This is clear evidence of the discriminatory management of the Vesuvian lines by the EAV top brass, compared to which the Sorrento line enjoys far greater privileges.”
The two spokespeople ask EAV to review its decision and find alternative solutions that do not involve the total closure of the line. “We do not know the extent and urgency of the work to be done, but we are certain that with new technologies and equipment we can and must avoid the closure of the entire line,” conclude. “Let’s prevent commuters’ discomfort from turning into gestures of anger and frustration.”
The possible closure of the Naples-Nola-Baiano line raises serious concerns among commuters and local communities. EAV needs to open a constructive dialogue with stakeholders to find solutions that guarantee the right to mobility and respect for constitutional principles.
Article published on May 15, 2024 - 11:39 pm
