Naples Central Funicular: The elevator has been out of service since July: "Accessibility isn't optional."

Naples – The elevator at the Corso Vittorio Emanuele station of the Central Funicular has been out of service since the beginning of July 2026. More than two months after the outage, according to a report sent to MP Francesco Emilio Borrelli (AVS), the system has not been restored and users have not been given a firm date for its reactivation.

The case once again highlights the reliability of systems designed to ensure public transport accessibility. This is not an isolated problem: ANM has previously documented out-of-service elevators on Line 1, including those at Montedonzelli and Frullone. In the latter case, a replacement taxi service was activated for users with mobility disabilities.

Also on the EAV lines, in 2026, official notices reported several incidents of ski lift unavailability, with varying durations and causes, between Montesanto, Piave, Soccavo, Pianura, Quarto Centro, San Giorgio a Cremano and Volla.

"We can't continue to consider it normal for an elevator intended to ensure accessibility to a station to remain out of service for months," Borrelli said. "For those who can use the stairs, it's an inconvenience; for a person in

wheelchair or with severe mobility difficulties may mean not being able to use that stop."
The report, he added, describes "a paradoxical situation": parents and grandparents forced to lift strollers up the stairs and people with disabilities unable to navigate the route, while citizens continue to pay for tickets and passes.

Borrelli asked ANM to clarify the problem with the Corso Vittorio Emanuele system, the work already done, what remains to be completed, and the expected date for restoration. "A sign saying work is underway isn't enough.

After more than two months, we need clear answers and timelines. Accessibility isn't an ancillary service.
The MP also calls for a comprehensive review of station accessibility systems, with timely maintenance and truly accessible alternatives. "A modern city cannot ask people with disabilities to adapt to infrastructure deficiencies. Public services must be accessible to all."