by InTrieste
In a bid to promote sustainable travel and make public transportation more appealing to young people, the regional government of Friuli Venezia Giulia is launching a new summer initiative targeting students.
Starting Sunday, June 8, a revamped network of extra-urban bus routes connecting Udine with the popular seaside towns of Grado and Lignano will go into effect. As part of the rollout, students from the former province of Udine who hold an annual TPL FVG school pass will be eligible to travel to the beach at half price — a move officials say is both economically and environmentally driven.
“Supporting more attractive public mobility options for young people means investing in the future and accelerating the shift toward more sustainable transport models,” said Cristina Amirante, the region’s Councillor for Infrastructure. “With this promotion and the updated summer service, we’re offering students and citizens a real opportunity to explore and enjoy the region more easily, affordably, and responsibly.”
The initiative, developed in partnership with local transit operators TPL FVG and Arriva Udine, reflects the regional government’s broader efforts to encourage eco-conscious commuting habits — especially during the summer months when car travel to coastal areas tends to spike.
Under the plan, students can show their 2024–2025 school year pass to obtain round-trip tickets between Udine and either Grado or Lignano at half price. The offer is valid Monday through Friday until the end of June and can be used multiple times during the promotion period.
The announcement also marks the launch of an overhauled summer transit service designed to better connect Udine with the Adriatic coast and other key regional hubs. The updated network will feature more frequent departures, improved interchanges, and a focus on accessibility — part of what officials call a “comprehensive rethinking” of the region’s public mobility strategy.
As Italy and the rest of Europe seek to curb emissions and make climate-conscious travel the norm, Friuli Venezia Giulia is hoping its student-focused approach will pave the way — one bus ride at a time.
