Rome's Public Transport Faces Investigation Over Service Failures

Italy's competition authority has launched an investigation into Rome’s public transport company, Atac, over poor service. Allegations include failure to meet quality standards for punctuality and safety. The investigation could lead to significant fines. Atac has not commented yet. Rome's public transport faces criticism amid a tourism surge.

Italy's competition authority announced Tuesday an investigation into the public transport services provided by Rome’s bus and metro company, Atac, over allegations of substandard service and potential unfair commercial practices. The probe scrutinizes Atac's compliance with quality standards agreed with Rome for 2021-2023.

The regulatory authority pointed out Atac's failures in meeting targets related to punctuality, maintenance of escalators and lifts, and the deployment of security personnel at metro stations. Owned by Rome's municipality and operating under a service contract, Atac has yet to issue a statement regarding the allegations.

Italian law stipulates that breaches of consumer rights can result in fines ranging from 5,000 to 10 million euros. Rome's public transport system, already notorious for inefficiency, is facing additional pressure during the Catholic Holy Year, with an influx of up to 32 million tourists expected. Notably, in 2018, an escalator malfunction at a metro station injured more than 20 people.