by InTrieste
In a momentous press briefing held at the municipal palace, Mayor Roberto Dipiazza, accompanied by key city figures Elisa Lodi and Everest Bertoli, publicly disclosed the conclusive design for Trieste’s cable car system. The proposed infrastructure, with the ambitious goal of interconnecting the city, has been a source of ongoing debate, sharply dividing public opinion over the past several months.
Lodi, the city’s Public Works Assessor, underscored the project’s pivotal role in Trieste’s urban landscape, emphasizing its reputation as an innovative and sustainable initiative. The cable car, linking Molo IV to Opicina, is not just a visionary concept but a tangible development set to reshape the city-scape from the historic waterfront to the Opicina parking lot.
“The presentation of this project is of immense importance to our city,” declared Lodi. She highlighted the significant changes to the stations, a response to a directive from the Superintendence and a forward-looking shift that predates Vittorio Sgarbi’s comments by nearly a year. Lodi commended the collaborative efforts of professionals and offices involved in crafting a project that turns a currently underutilized part of the city into a fully accessible area, thanks to the elevated cable car passage.
Everest Bertoli, the Financial Policies Assessor, expressed pride in the government’s selection of the project for PNRR funding. Addressing what he considered two critical errors in the city’s perspective—failure to envision future developments and the “Not In My Back Yard” syndrome—Bertoli urged citizens to embrace the revitalization of the Old Port. He anticipated a transformation in the next three to four years that would redefine the area’s appearance.
On the sidelines, Michele Babuder, the Territory Policy Assessor, emphasized the cable car’s role in the broader Porto Vivo mobility framework, projecting 20,000 daily commuters. He positioned the cable car as an eco-sustainable, silent, and speedy solution, minimizing environmental footprint compared to alternative options.
Giulio Bernetti, Director of the Territorial Department, provided historical context, recalling the project’s proposal to the European Commission in July 2021. With a focus on climate change mitigation, the cable car secured €62 million in total funding through PNRR.
The cable car is a linchpin in the Porto Vivo urban regeneration initiative, targeting 66 hectares of waterfront space. Bernetti detailed the comprehensive redevelopment, catering to all age groups. A dedicated website, www.portovivotrieste.it, showcases ongoing projects and more.
The city has already invested over €150 million in the broader redevelopment effort, combining local, ministerial, regional, PNRR, and EDR funds. The cable car project, ranked second in the 2020 Go Slow national awards, aligns with the government’s vision in the PNRR and stands as a testament to Trieste’s commitment to future-proof urban planning.
The cable car boasts four stations strategically positioned (Molo IV, Polo Museale, Park Bovedo (Barcola), Opicina) and promises efficient, sustainable travel. Each cabin, accessible to all, accommodates 10 passengers and operates every 20 seconds, ensuring minimal waiting times—a notable improvement over traditional public transportation.
The cable car’s route descends from Opicina to the sea, weaving through the historic waterfront to the heart of the city, just a five-minute walk from Piazza Unità. Its integration with the Porto Vivo linear park, funded by PNRR-MIC with €23 million, ensures minimal ground-level disruption, preserving pedestrian and cyclist pathways.
Bertoli highlighted the cable car’s role as a tourist attraction and a vital link for Trieste residents and visitors to access the Karst Plateau, Porto Vivo museums, and the planned cruise terminal.
The initiative, generously funded from Rome, has sparked considerable discord within the local political arena, triggering impassioned debates. The opposition vehemently asserts that siting the cable car within the city, notorious for its formidable bora winds, would result in perpetual maintenance challenges. Opposition forces, exemplified by vocal dissent from groups such as ‘No Ovovia,’ have staged numerous protests. Additionally, a petition, endorsed by thousands of Trieste residents, underscores the widespread resistance to the proposed project.
