On-Demand Bus Service Expands to New Rome Districts
The city of Rome is set to expand its on-demand bus service to additional districts. This initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to enhance public transportation, particularly in peripheral areas where conventional bus services may not be viable.
Overview of the On-Demand Bus Service Expansion
Rome’s mobility assessor, Eugenio Patanè, has emphasized that the future of public transport lies in on-demand services. This expansion aims to respond effectively to the unique transportation needs of various neighborhoods.
- On-demand bus service enables users to book rides from designated locations.
- The service operates similarly to a taxi but at the cost of standard bus fare.
Implementation Timeline and Locations
The initial pilot of the on-demand service started on September 4, 2024, in the Massimina district, provided by the company Autoservizi Riccitelli S.r.l. The pilot was scheduled to conclude on May 5, 2025, but due to positive outcomes, the Rome Mobility Department extended the service until May 5, 2026.
Following this pilot, eight new areas have been identified for the service expansion:
- Trigoria – Castello della Cecchignola – Fonte Meravigliosa – Falcognana – Paglian Casale – Santa Palomba
- Massimina – Cerquette
- Cinquina – Casal Monastero – S. Vittorino – Corcolle – Valle Borghesiana
Future Operations
The service is planned to launch on May 1, 2026, extending through December 31, 2027. There will be an option for renewal until the end of 2029, contingent upon any in-house agreements with Atac for local public transport.
How the On-Demand Service Works
To utilize the service, users can reserve their trips via a dedicated app, with the software license provided by Atac. Each user will receive a unique code for their reservation, simplifying the process of scheduling rides.
The following details highlight the operational aspects:
- Reservations can be made up to 30 minutes before service ends.
- Users will be able to travel to and from specific addresses within defined service areas.
This initiative represents a significant step towards modernizing Rome’s public transportation framework, catering to the specific needs of its residents.
