by InTrieste
The regional government of Friuli Venezia Giulia has approved a new fare framework for public transportation that will take effect on January 1, 2026, confirming existing ticket prices while expanding financial support for students, families, and residents over the age of 65.
The measure, approved this week by the regional executive, applies to local public transport services across road, rail, and maritime networks. According to regional officials, stable inflation trends in the transport sector—tracked through national statistics—have made it possible to maintain current fare levels for another year.
Cristina Amirante, the regional councillor for infrastructure and territory, said the decision was designed to provide “stability, continuity, and clarity” for users of public transport, while ensuring that services remain financially balanced. The plan also continues a series of fare integrations and cross-border arrangements already in place, including routes extending into neighboring Slovenia as part of the GO!2025 European Capital of Culture initiative.
As part of the regional budget law approved in December, the administration has increased funding earmarked for fare concessions. The move reflects a steady rise in discounted subscriptions purchased by students, families, and senior citizens. Officials say the additional resources will allow the region to support this growth without reducing service levels through 2026.
Among the measures confirmed is a 50 percent discount on public transport subscriptions for residents aged 65 and older, applicable to annual and semiannual passes throughout 2026. The region has also renewed its experimental reduced-fare school subscription for the 2026–2027 academic year, offering a 50 percent discount to resident students. The program extends to those commuting to schools located in neighboring regions when those destinations are considered the closest educational option.
The new framework also maintains a pilot fare integration between bus and rail services along the San Daniele–Udine corridor through February 28, 2026. Beginning March 1, the system will transition to a new set of “integrated continuation tickets,” covering a range of subscription types, with sales scheduled to begin in late February.
Cross-border fares to Nova Gorica will remain unchanged through 2026, as will several other policies introduced in recent years, including integrated ticketing across transport modes, free access for pets on regional public transport, and the option to purchase tickets, subscriptions, and bicycle supplements through digital platforms.
For maritime transport, the resolution also sets fares for the year-round Trieste–Muggia ferry service, pending the awarding of new seasonal service contracts.
Regional officials described the package as an effort to align social support with long-term transport planning, at a time when public transit use is increasing and cross-border mobility is becoming a central feature of the region’s infrastructure strategy.
