Circumvesuviana, New Chaos on the Naples-Sorrento Line: Blocked Trains and Exasperated Commuters

Yesterday, May 2, the route was completely paralyzed due to a breakdown on train 1129 at 12:53, departing from Naples and headed to Sorrento. The convoy, according to reports, began to vibrate abnormally before stopping completely, leaving three out of three trains blocked between the Pioppaino and Castellammare stations. A disruption that adds to a series of problems that have plagued the line for days, arousing the ire of those who depend on this means of transport.

A Replacement Service That Is Not Enough

The Ente Autonomo Volturno (EAV), which manages the Circumvesuviana, announced that, due to the disruption, trains departing from Naples were limited to Pioppaino, while those from Sorrento stopped at Castellammare.

To stem the emergency, a replacement bus service was set up between the two stations, but this did not prevent chaos. Commuters and tourists, already tired by days of poor service, expressed their frustration: "The poor service is innumerable, and no one gives explanations," many complain.

The situation was made worse by the fact that, just the day before, another breakdown on the same line, between Torre Annunziata and Pompeii, had caused scenes of panic, with smoke in the carriages and passengers forced to get off and walk on the tracks.

A Chronic Problem: The Circumvesuviana Under Accusation

The problems of the Circumvesuviana are not new. Only three days ago, on April 29, a train stopped in Castellammare, and on May 1 another breakdown caused panic among tourists, with smoke coming from a fire extinguisher used as a precaution.

The Naples-Sorrento line, crucial for commuters, students and tourists heading to the Amalfi Coast, seems to have become a symbol of inefficiency. “It is an unsustainable situation,” said MP Francesco Emilio Borrelli, who called for immediate action to ensure passenger safety.

“While waiting for the new trains, those in service must be made safe to circulate.” The criticisms do not spare the management of EAV, already in the spotlight after the Faito tragedy two weeks ago, where a cable car accident caused four victims.

“After Faito, one would expect greater attention and rigorous controls,” wrote a user on social media, “instead the situation is getting worse. It is absurd that the top brass are still in their place.” The Facebook page “Circumvesuviana. Guide to suppressions and unsolved mysteries” joked by calling EAV “the best tour operator in the world,” a comment that reflects users’ exasperation.

A Collapsing System: We Need a Solution

The Circumvesuviana, which connects a metropolitan area of ​​over two million inhabitants, has been at the center of controversy for years due to delays, cancellations and breakdowns. The trains, often old and dilapidated, do not receive the necessary maintenance, and regional funds seem insufficient to cover the needs.

The Naples-Sorrento line, in particular, is strategic for tourism, but the poor service is damaging the image of the region, especially during a period of high attendance such as the May 1st long weekend. The requests of commuters and committees are clear: more journeys, functioning trains and more transparent management.

But while we wait for the promised new trains, the reality is that of a railway in collapse, where every day brings with it a new inconvenience. Neapolitans and tourists deserve better: it is time for the institutions to address the problem decisively, before the Circumvesuviana becomes just a distant memory of a service that should have worked.

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