Turin-Aosta Commuter Rail Descends into “State Torture,” Investigation Reveals
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A chronic crisis of delays, cancellations, and overcrowding on the Turin-Aosta railway line has led passengers to describe their commutes as an “ordeal” and even a form of “state torture,” according to recent reports. The ongoing issues, impacting travel between Turin, Chiavasso, and Ivrea, have drawn scrutiny from both local media and citizen journalists.
The situation, which has been escalating for some time, came to a head recently with reports of passengers stranded for hours, “ghost trains” that never arrive, and carriages consistently too small to accommodate demand. The Italian news outlet giornaledellavoce.it highlighted the plight of commuters on this vital route, which extends towards Aosta, on Thursday.
Years of Disruption: The “Train of Hell”
The problems are not new. One investigator, known as “Captain Ventosa,” has repeatedly documented the issues, first bringing attention to the deteriorating conditions in the autumn of 2022. During a ride on the train, Captain Ventosa found a stark contrast between the availability reported on the Trenitalia app and the reality of overcrowded wagons.
“It’s become a bitter joke, a joke that, however, does not make you laugh,” one passenger lamented. The line has earned the grim moniker “train of hell” among those who rely on it daily.
Passengers Left Stranded and Ignored
The disruptions extend beyond mere inconvenience. Passengers report being left abandoned at stations like Chivasso and Porta Susa, forced to wait indefinitely for trains that often fail to materialize. A satirical news outlet, Strip the News, has also shown interest in the unfolding crisis, contacted by passengers who feel they are being treated like “livestock.” These passengers, referring to the trains as “convogli-pollai” – chicken coops – express their frustration with the systemic failures.
Captain Ventosa revisited the issue on January 11, 2024, to assess whether the commuter odyssey continued unabated. The findings confirmed that the problems persist, leaving thousands of travelers in a state of uncertainty and distress.
A System in Crisis?
The root causes of the disruptions remain unclear, but the consequences are undeniable. The lack of reliable transportation impacts not only commuters but also the broader regional economy. The situation demands immediate attention and a comprehensive solution to restore faith in the Turin-Aosta railway line.
