Rome's Transit Turmoil: Competition Authority Investigates Atac

Italy's competition authority is investigating Rome's public transport company, Atac, for possible unfair commercial practices due to poor service quality between 2021 and 2023. Despite a major renovation effort, the company has been criticized for failing to meet targets for punctuality, safety, and maintenance.

Italy's competition authority has launched an investigation into Atac, the public transport provider for Rome, over claims of subpar service affecting commuter welfare from 2021 to 2023. The probe focuses on supposed unfair commercial practices, with the company failing to meet agreed-upon service quality standards.

Atac allegedly failed to achieve targets for punctuality and maintenance of facilities, such as escalators and lifts, and felt short in deploying sufficient security personnel at metro stations, according to the authority. These concerns are significant as they coincided with the Catholic Holy Year's influx of tourists, adding pressure to the city's already inefficient public transport system.

Despite Atac's statements claiming improvements from ongoing renovations, the accusation includes inadequate corrective measures and failure to adjust or refund fares appropriately. Past incidents, including escalator malfunctions and buses catching fire, highlight the company's struggles. The competition authority warns potential fines ranging from 5,000 to 10 million euros for breaches.