by InTrieste
In a region renowned for its rugged mountains and serene coastline, the local government of Friuli Venezia Giulia has set its sights on revolutionizing public transport. The region’s public transport system, which operates both on roads and rails, is not just a financial strain on the regional budget, but a critical lifeline for its people.
“Beyond the numbers and results, which continue to be encouraging, it is fundamental for our administration to ensure that everyone can move freely using increasingly sustainable methods,” said Cristina Amirante, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s Regional Councillor for Infrastructure and Territory, during a roundtable discussion in Trieste this week. The event, part of the Sustance project, focused on creating more efficient and integrated transportation options across Central Europe.
The Sustance initiative, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, is a testament to Friuli Venezia Giulia’s ambitions for sustainable mobility. Its goals include connecting rural and peripheral areas of Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and Hungary—regions that have long suffered from fragmented transportation networks and inadequate public services.
Reconnecting Lost Territories
One of the region’s most promising developments is the experimental rail line between Trieste, Italy, and Rijeka, Croatia, launched on April 24. The line runs through Slovenia, linking Villa Opicina in Italy to the Divaca and Pivka stations in Slovenia before reaching Rijeka, a major Croatian port. With 6,211 passengers and 366 bicycles transported by August, the trial run has already proven popular.
“The Trieste-Rijeka line is a project of immense cultural value,” Ms. Amirante noted. “It reconnects territories that historical events had gradually distanced. From this perspective, the railway route represents a true revolution.”
The rail link’s historical significance cannot be overstated. Once part of a unified region, the areas along this route were split by the shifting borders of 20th-century Europe. Now, this humble train line is breathing new life into cross-border relations, fostering not only tourism but also a shared sense of heritage.
A Strategic Transport Hub in the Making
Ms. Amirante emphasized that Friuli Venezia Giulia’s transportation network is increasingly positioning itself as a strategic hub in Europe’s evolving logistics map. As geopolitical tensions reshape traditional trade routes, the region is exploring new freight corridors, including collaborations with Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia.
In this shifting landscape, Friuli Venezia Giulia is betting on intermodal transportation to attract both passengers and goods, with a particular focus on the growing Trieste port. “Strengthening rail connections with the rapidly expanding Port of Trieste is crucial to our future,” Amirante said. The regional government is also looking into connecting Rijeka to Trieste’s central station, a move that would further enhance cross-border travel.
A Revival of Slow Tourism
In an era of high-speed trains and instant gratification, Friuli Venezia Giulia is also turning to the past for inspiration. The government is planning to restore Trieste’s historic Campo Marzio station, which will serve as the launch point for slow tourism—train journeys for those who want to travel at a more leisurely pace.
“Our region is positioning itself as a key player in this niche tourism market,” Ms. Amirante said. “With more people interested in slow, high-quality travel experiences, we’re confident this will attract a new wave of visitors to Friuli Venezia Giulia.”
A Collaborative Effort
The Sustance project represents more than just a regional push for better transportation. It’s part of a broader effort, involving multiple stakeholders across Central Europe, to co-design innovative mobility services and governance frameworks. As part of this initiative, local authorities are working with transport experts and communities to identify the most pressing connectivity issues and test solutions that could serve as a model for other regions.
