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Respect for norms, attention to the rules of coexistence between passengers, collaboration between customers and traveling staff, care for communication and information are important behaviors in order to guarantee a quality service. Below is a summary of the rules that regulate the use of public transport, the rights of travelers and the behavior of passengers that can make everyone's journey easier.

1.    Scope of application

The Passenger Transport Conditions constitute the set of rules to be followed by passengers, users of transport services and their rights, as provided for in EU Regulation No. 181/2011.

The present Passenger Transport Conditions (hereinafter, Transport Conditions) apply to local public transport services by road and track carried out by Busitalia (or its Subsidiary) in urban, suburban and inter-city areas.

An extract of the Transport Conditions is available on the vehicles, at ticket offices and bus stations.

1.1.          Main legislative sources on bus passenger transport

The bus passenger transport service provided by Busitalia and its subsidiaries is governed by European, national and, where applicable, regional regulations.

It is also governed by the measures set out by the Autorità di Regolazione dei Trasporti (Transport Regulation Authority, or ART). They constitute the main legislative sources of the General Transport Conditions concerning Travellers' Rights:

a)      REGULATION (EU) 181/2011 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 16 February 2011, concerning the rights of passengers in bus and coach transport.

b)      LEGISLATIVE DECREE 169 of 4 November 2014, Regulation sanctioning the violations of the provisions of Regulation (EU) 181/2011, amending Regulation (EC) 2006/2004, concerning the rights of passengers in bus and coach transport.

c)      Annex A to ART Resolution 28/2021 on “Misure concernenti il contenuto minimo degli specifici diritti che gli utenti dei servizi di trasporto ferroviario e con autobus possono esigere nei confronti dei gestori dei servizi e delle relative infrastrutture con riguardo al trattamento dei reclami”.

1.2.        The Service Contract and the general transport conditions principles

Transport Conditions are drawn up in accordance with current legislation on passenger rights, and with the provisions set out in the agreement and/or in service contracts.

Indeed, it should be noted that Busitalia manages Local Public Transport services (hereinafter LPT) on the basis of one or more specific service contracts or equivalent agreements with the entrusting Entity(ies) in charge: these contracts prescribe the conditions to be applied, the fares, the levels of public service, and the methods for providing the LPT service. Busitalia performs the services in accordance with the contractual requirements, unless prevented by extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances or force majeure events.

In addition, the Transport Conditions are inspired by general principles, as well as rules of coexistence and cooperation between people that are essential behaviours to ensure a quality and inclusive service for the community.

The general principles:

  • Inclusiveness, equality and impartiality.
  • Continuity of service and safety for travel and people.
  • Information, communication and participation.
  • Efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability.
  • Freedom of choice.

1.3.          Geographic area of application

The following Transport Conditions concern the Local Public Transport services offered by Busitalia in the following territories:

  • Veneto
    • Urban (road and tram) and inter-city (road) transport services in the Padua Area.
    • Urban and inter-city (road) transport services in the Rovigo Area.
  • Umbria
    • Urban and inter-city (road) transport services in the Region.
  • Campania
    • Urban, suburban and inter-city (road) transport services in the municipality and province of Salerno, including transport services to/from Naples and the cities around the Neapolitan capital.

2.    Transport contract and obligation

With the Transport Contract, Busitalia (or its Subsidiary) undertakes to transfer people from one place to another for a consideration.

The ticket shall be considered as proof, until proven otherwise, of the establishment and content of the Transport Contract. The absence, irregularity or loss of a ticket does not exempt the passenger from full compliance with the Transport Conditions.

3.    Information channels

Busitalia guarantees information through at least the following channels:

  • Website
  • Main stops
  • Bus stations
  • Ticket offices and points of sale
  • Call centres/phone service

4.    Service hours

The Company regularly updates information on the service. Service hours may be subject to changes without prior notice, due to unforeseeable causes beyond the company's control (weather conditions, unauthorised events, accidents, road traffic, etc.). Travel times and, consequently, arrival times, as stated and disseminated, may be subject to significant variations during rush hours.

Where expressly indicated, connecting services may delay their departure up to 10 minutes for incoming connections.

Any permanent or temporary changes to the service timetables are available on the company website www.fsbusitalia.it.

5.    Admission to the service

Passengers are required to obtain a valid ticket (single-journey or season ticket) before boarding the vehicle, and validate it at the ticket machines or, for digital tickets (online, SMS ticketing or smartphone app), smartphones), according to the rules of the specific channel.

After validation, single-journey and season tickets are personal, non-transferable and must be kept intact for their entire period of validity, according to the validation rules set out and referred to in this document. You need to show your ticket every time the personnel in charge requests it.

The journey ends once you get off the vehicle, or at the end of the validity period stated on the ticket.

6.    Tickets

The transport contract established with Busitalia and its subsidiaries in accordance with the Transport Conditions, for the use of transport services, is represented by the ticket. When purchasing the ticket, the passenger undertakes to comply with the provisions contained in these conditions. The ticket may be in tangible form (e.g. paper, plastic) or intangible/digital (e.g. pdf file, ticketless, QR Code). Passengers accepted for transport must be in possession of a valid ticket for the service, including the day and time, where applicable. The ticket shall be considered as proof, until proven otherwise, of the establishment and content of the Transport Contract.

For information on tickets, please refer to the respective 'Tickets and Fares' section on fsbusitalia.it website:

7. Purchase of tickets

7.1.        General standards

Passengers are required to purchase a ticket before boarding the vehicles, at ticket offices, partner points of sale, or, wherever applicable, through self-service units, online channels, mobile phones (SMS ticketing), smartphone apps, and with contactless cards on board. Official sales channels are published on fsbusitalia.it portal, in the “Ticket shops” section of:

7.2.     On-board ticket purchase from the driver/personnel

On-board sales are carried out by the driver/personnel; these are subject to limitations dictated by the requirements of safety and regularity of the service, and are therefore of an ancillary nature. The impossibility of purchasing a ticket on board does not exempt passengers without a valid ticket from any applicable sanctions.

On-board sales are not available on the Padua tram and the Orvieto funicular.

A ticket is sold on-board directly by the driver/personnel with the following restrictions:

  • On-board sales may only take place when the vehicle is stationary, under safe operating conditions, without it affecting a regular service, and while taking passenger traffic into account.
  • Travellers without a ticket who wish to purchase one from the driver, must request it as soon as they get on board the vehicle.
  • They are required to pay the exact amount in cash to the driver/staff, as the staff is not required to give change.
  • Tickets purchased on board must be validated in the ticket machines, where applicable.
  • Travellers are required to gather information about the right ticket to purchase, the purchase channels available, and, for on-board purchases, the payment methods in advance.
  • On-board sales are suspended during ticket verification.
  • A ticket sold on board is only valid for the journey on which it was purchased.
  • The company may order the suspension, of on-board sales, also indefinitely, to implement regulations to protect health, giving appropriate notice to the public.

The fare varies according to the area or mileage covered during the journey, and multiple tickets may be required, based on the fare due.

 

7.2.1. Ticket purchase on board with surcharge

In urban and inter-city local public transport services, tickets are sold on board with a surcharge, except in those cases specified below.

 

7.2.2. Ticket purchase on board without surcharge on other services

The fare surcharge on tickets sold on board does not apply on market/link services.

7.3.     Replacement of damaged tickets

You may request a damaged (non-functioning) ticket to be replaced at ticket offices, which will replace it, after carrying out all the necessary checks. Tickets damaged due to the customers’ carelessness will not be replaced.

8. Use of tickets

8.1.     Validation

On-board validation of paper tickets is mandatory, and should be done as soon as you board the first journey vehicle. Failure to validate your ticket will result in the application of the penalties in force for missing tickets.

You need to check that the tickets has been validated correctly, by assessing that the stamping (date and time) is accurate. If the validation devices on board are not working properly, promptly report the validation issues to the travelling personnel.

Digital tickets, where applicable (online, SMS ticketing and smartphone apps), should be validated immediately before boarding, according to specific channel rules. For further details on the conditions of use of each channel, please refer to the pages published on the fsbusitalia.it portal.

8.2.     Ticket verification

You are required to spontaneously show the ticket, as well as any other travel documents (e.g. badge) to ticket inspectors.

If requested, you must also show a valid ID.

A ticket inspector is a Public Official, in charge of:

  • Requesting passengers to show their tickets.
  • Verifying their personal details, including by checking a valid ID.
  • Calling the police if a person cannot be identified, or in those situations that jeopardise the public order or the service security.
  • Seize expired, altered, or forged tickets, or tickets in the name of a person other than the holder.

Passengers found without a suitable and valid ticket are fined and required to pay the ticket, in addition to a penalty calculated according to the relevant Regional Law, as stated on the fsbusitalia.it portal, in the dedicated pages of: 

Passengers are deemed to be without an appropriate and valid ticket when:

  • They do not have a ticket.
  • Despite having a ticket:
    • Their ticket does not match the area or route they are travelling on.
    • They failed to validate it according to the rules of the purchasing channel selected.
    • The ticket is no longer valid.
    • The paper ticket has been validated more times than those allowed.
    • The ticket shows signs of alteration or counterfeiting.
    • They failed to promptly inform the travelling staff of faulty on-board validation device.
    • For digital tickets (via sms/app), they did not receive a confirmation of purchase.
  • Despite being season ticket holders:
    • They did not validate or complete the ticket as required.
    • The season ticket has expired or is accompanied by an expired badge.
    • They are using a season ticket without having a relevant badge.
    • The passenger is not the holder of the badge the season ticket is associated to.
    • A season ticket is used at a fare that does not match the fare on the badge and/or the journey being made.
    • The season ticket and/or badge show signs of alteration or forgery.
    • They only have a copy or another document instead of the season ticket and/or badge.
  • They declare to be season ticket holders, but they can’t exhibit the season ticket upon request.
  • They have the badge, without having a season ticket.

The infringement is notified by the personnel through a special official report. When notified, the passenger must provide their personal details and a valid ID. If personal details are provided verbally, the personnel in charge may carry out the appropriate checks on the truthfulness of the declarations, and any false declarations will be prosecuted pursuant to Article 496 of the Criminal Code.

The paper copy of the official report and notification contains the specific regulations, payment method/deadlines, and the procedure for appealing against the provision or submitting a defence case. Further details are provided in the following section.

8.3.    Penalties

Offenders have the right to settle the penalty in full settlement, by paying the relevant amount, plus the ordinary ticket fare to the Ticket Inspector. The inspector will issue a copy of the relevant notice.

For services carried out in Campania, payment of the administrative penalty to Ticket Inspectors is not permitted.

If an offender is unable or unwilling to pay the penalty to the Ticket Inspector, the latter shall draw up the relevant report with the details provided by the same. According to Articles 494, 495 and 496 of the Criminal Code, any personal information provided should be correct. You have the right to add your own statement to the report, which needs to be signed, and you will receive a copy thereof.

Refusal to provide identification data will result in the application of the penalties provided for in Article 651 of the Criminal Code.

Forgery, the use of forged tickets or the alteration thereof shall entail the application of the penalties provided for in Articles 462, 465 and 466 of the Criminal Code.

False declarations will result in the application of the penalties provided for in Article 496 of the Criminal Code.

Regarding payment of the penalties and how to appeal against the provision, please refer to the relevant pages on the fsbusitalia.it portal for:

9. Rules for the use of services

9.1.     Getting on/off the vehicle at stops

You should get to the stop a few minutes in advance.

Getting on/off the vehicle are only permitted:

  • On the spaces identified as stops.
  • When the vehicle is completely stationary.

It is forbidden to request a special stop or ask the driver to get off/on outside the spaces identified as vehicle stops along the route.

All bus stops are on demand:

1)      When boarding, indicate to the staff your intention to board by waving as the vehicle approaches.

2)      When getting off, press the bus stop request button in good time or, if the stop request system is down, alert the driver in good time before the stop.

Buses can be boarded only through the marked door. The other doors are for getting off the bus only. Exceptions to this obligation are made when boarding pushchairs, prams and passengers with reduced mobility.

When standing on the curb/platform, keep a safe distance from the edge. When getting off the tram, use the door on the right side of the curb/platform.

It is forbidden to lean against the boarding/disembarkation doors or to crowd around them, impeding the normal flow of travellers and compromising safety conditions. 

9.2.     Transport of children

On local transport services, children travel free of charge up to the age limit defined by regional law or by the entrusting Entities, provided they are accompanied by a paying adult and do not occupy a seat.

Only one child per accompanying passenger may travel free of charge.

9.3.     Pram transport

Prams and buggies may be transported free of charge, as long as they are closed and folded. Buggies may not occupy seats or constitute an obstruction and/or danger to other passengers. Prams and buggies must comply with the regulations for luggage transport.

Buggies may only be carried open in vehicles if they approved for such transport. They should be carried through the central door, after allowing other passengers to get off the vehicle. They should be stored in the appropriate spaces, with the brakes on, held by the accompanying person and restrained in the prescribed manner. If the relevant space is for mixed use, priority use of these spaces is reserved for passengers with disabilities.

9.4.     Animal transport

The transport of service dogs, even if accompanied by other persons, is always permitted free of charge on all categories of buses in service. A service dog is a dog that has been individually trained in an authorised centre and is capable of performing tasks in support of persons with motor, visual and hearing, intellectual/relational, psychiatric impairment or other comparable medical conditions, accompanying them and to whom they are permanently linked.

 

9.4.1. Transport of small animals

Passengers may transport small pets provided they are kept in appropriate carriers of dimensions not exceeding 70x30x50 cm and/or such as to exclude injury or damage to both passengers and cars.

Transport is free of charge, as long as the animal does not take up a seat.

 

9.4.2. Transport of medium-sized animals for a fee

Passengers are required to purchase a ticket when transporting a medium-sized dog (with the exception of support dogs).

 

9.4.3. Access to vehicles

Unless specific regional regulations are in place, the transport of a dog (with the exception of those kept in a container) is only permitted if it is properly muzzled and leashed. A certificate of registration with the dog registry office and a health booklet or, for foreign passengers, a passport in lieu of both documents are required for the transport of dogs (even if they are kept in the specific carriers). This documentation must be produced if requested by staff. For service dogs, only the possession of a training certificate is required, in which the dog centre/institution of reference certifies on letterhead (or with a legible stamp) that it is a service dog, which must be shown if requested by staff, while guide dogs for visually impaired passengers do not require any certification.

The passenger is responsible for the supervision of the dog they bring, and is exclusively liable for any damage caused by the dog. Only animal may be transported per paying passenger, according to the above conditions.

Crowded vehicles, situations that may jeopardise passengers and staff safety, non-compliance with the rules above as detected by the staff, detection by company personnel of non-compliance with the above-mentioned rules, disturbance of travellers and damage to the vehicle, may lead, at the sole discretion of company personnel, to the animal not being allowed on board, its removal and/or interruption of the journey without any right to ticket refunds. 

9.5.     Transport of luggage or hand luggage

On board, each paying traveller is allowed to carry one piece of luggage free of charge, without occupying a seat and arranged in such a way as to not obstruct passage or cause a disturbance, with a maximum size of 105 cm (the sum of length, width and depth) or 50x30x25 cm and a total weight not exceeding 10 kg. Transport of luggage and pets constitutes an ancillary service to the transport contract established with the passenger.

For any additional luggage or for luggage that exceeds the permitted dimensions, an extra luggage charge will apply.

Excessively bulky items or items containing foul-smelling, noxious or dangerous substances (such as explosive and inflammable substances and objects, spontaneously inflammable, toxic, infectious, radioactive and corrosive substances and objects) will not be transported. Substances and items packaged for retail sale and intended for personal and/or domestic use, for health needs or for sports or leisure activities may also be considered as luggage.

The Company is not liable for theft, tampering, deterioration or total or partial loss of the items carried; it is also not liable for luggage that is forgotten, lost or left unattended by the traveller on the bus or for luggage mix-ups between passengers.

The transport of unaccompanied packages is not permitted.

Baggage transport may be refused, at the sole discretion of the Company's staff, if a vehicle is overcrowded, if it inconveniences travellers or for failure to comply with the above obligations.

Luggage can be loaded/unloaded in the luggage compartment only at the terminus and at authorized stops, under the driver’s supervision. Luggage can be loaded/unloaded directly by the traveller along the route, when required, only if this does not jeopardise the safety of the operation, and at the bus driver’s sole discretion.

9.6.     Bicycle and micro-mobility devices transport in LPT services

Bicycles, scooters and other micro-mobility devices may only be transported on the vehicles if:

  • They are switched off.
  • They are folded in order to minimise the overall dimensions, which may not exceed 80x110x45 cm, including the case.
  • They are placed in a case, arranged in such a way as not to obstruct other passengers and switched off.
  • They are securely retained by the owner for the entire journey.
  • It is not possible to take up another seat with a micro-mobility device, in addition to the seat already occupied by the passenger.

Micro-mobility devices, as described above, may be carried free of charge, within the limit of one device per passenger with a valid ticket. For cases larger than those indicated above, an additional ticket must be purchased.

 

9.6.1. Bicycle and micro-mobility devices transport in dedicated BUS&BICI (BIKE&BUS) services

Along bike trails where the BUS&BICI (BIKE&BUS) service is active, you can transport regular and folding bikes on board buses equipped with special bicycle transport trolleys (bicycle transport is available only up to the maximum transport trolley capacity). 

For information and booking a bike spot, please visit www.fsbusitalia.it, “Tourism" section.

10. Passenger obligations and responsibilities

Travellers are required to observe the following rules of conduct during the journey:

  • Maintain proper and civilised behaviour in the vehicle, at stops and at terminals, not compromising in any way the safety of the journey and service levels.
  • Refrain from talking to the driver while they are driving, except in emergency situations.
  • Utilise the appropriate supports while the vehicle is in motion.
  • Avoid loitering near or leaning against doors and validating machines, or obstructing passenger boarding and transit, and ticket validation in any way.
  • Occupy only one seat.
  • While travelling, remain seated in one's seat, avoiding walking and occupying the middle lane.
  • Do not consume food or drink.
  • Leaning out the windows is not permitted.
  • Do not use emergency devices installed in vehicles and marked as such, except in the event of serious and imminent danger.
  • Do not transport objects classified as harmful or dangerous without complying with the safety measures laid down in the regulations in force. Violators will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
  • Do not carry loaded and undismantled weapons, except as stipulated by the laws in force regarding possession and the protection of public safety. Supplied ammunition must be kept in the appropriate containers and carefully stored. The prohibition does not apply to law enforcement officers and security officers on duty.
  • The use of seat belts on-board buses is compulsory for all passengers over 3 years of age (Italian Legislative Decree 150/06).

In addition, while on board and near travel facilities, passengers should follow the rules below:

  • Utilise respectful and cooperative behaviour towards company staff in order to support them in the performance of the service.
  • Do not dirty or damage vehicles, installations, structures and accessories; do not throw any objects from the vehicle.
  • Do not smoke inside the vehicles and premises when prohibited; this prohibition includes electronic cigarettes.
  • Do not engage in advertising or commercial activities, even if for charitable purposes, without specific written authorisation from the Company.
  • Do not take photographs or film inside Company vehicles, plants and facilities without specific written authorisation from the Company.
  • Do not enter vehicles, installations and facilities in a state of manifest drunkenness or, in any case, in a psychophysical condition that creates an impediment to the smooth running of the service.
  • Do not disturb other travellers through the misuse of mobile phones or other similar devices.

The Company rejects all liability for the consequences of non-compliance with the above rules. The customer or their guardian is also liable to the Company for any damage caused.

11. Passenger rights

Regulation (EU) No. 181/2011 of 16 February 2011 establishes the rights of passengers utilising bus and coach transport. Pursuant to Article 25(1,2) of the aforementioned regulation, information on passenger rights is published on the website and on billboards at the carrier's bus stations.

The national body responsible for the application of the aforementioned Regulation is the Autorità di Regolazione dei Trasporti - Via Nizza 230, 10126 Turin (www.autorita-trasporti.it).

11.1.     Complaints

Busitalia and its subsidiaries, as bus transport service operators, and Bus Terminal operators in Veneto and Umbria, set up a procedure for handling customer complaints, with dedicated channels and offices.

Customers may submit complaints, in Italian or in English, within three months from the date on which the regular service was provided or should have been provided; the Company undertakes to provide an appropriate response within 30 days of the date of receipt of the complaint, indicating, if possible, whether the complaint has been accepted, rejected or is still under consideration; even for particularly complex cases, the time required to provide a definitive response shall not exceed 90 days for bus services. Deadlines may be shorter according to what is established in territorial Service Contracts. For Busitalia Veneto, the response time to complaints is 10 days instead of 30.

The dedicated "Voce del Cliente" form is available online to submit complaints and can be accessed from the dedicated page on www.fsbusitalia.it, which automatically forwards it to the company.

The Complaints form may be downloaded in PDF format, and is available at company ticket offices or Public Relations Offices, where present. It can be handed over at company ticket offices or Public Relations Offices, or sent to the relevant company postal addresses by registered mail or by certified electronic mail.

To be considered, complaints must contain at least:

  • the identification details for the customer (name, surname, contact method) and of the representative (if any), attaching in this latter case the proxy document and identification document for the customer;
  • for complaints associated with journeys: identification information for the journey taken or scheduled (date, time of departure, starting and destination points) and the transport contract (booking code or ticket number) or a copy of the ticket;
    for complaints concerning the Bus Terminal: identification information of the event that occurred at the Bus Terminal.
  • a description of the non-compliance of the service with respect to one or more requirements defined in the European or national legislation, the general transport conditions or the service charter.

In the event nor response is received or if the response is deemed unsatisfactory, the Customer may:
A.         use out-of-court dispute resolution procedures;
B.         file a complaint with the Transport Regulation Authority;
C.         appeal to the competent judicial authority.

 

A. Out-of-court dispute resolution procedures
To begin a conciliation procedure aimed at resolving a dispute with the Company, the customer may file a special application, also through consumer associations:
a)         with the ART Conciliation Service;
b)         with the Conciliation Chambers established within the Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture, subject to the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Authority and Unioncamere;
c)         with ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) bodies, including approved negotiation bodies, registered in the list referred to in Article 141-decies (1) of the Consumer Code.

 

B. File a complaint with the Transport Regulation Authority
Only after filing a complaint with Busitalia and in the event that:

  • the answer received is not satisfactory;
  • or, 90 days have already elapsed, without a reply from Busitalia, from the date on which the complaint regarding bus services was submitted;

the traveller may also forward their complaint to the Transport Regulation Authority - directly or through a delegate, including representative associations - for the purpose of establishing a possible violation of Regulation (EU) no. 181/2011 concerning bus and coach services.

It can be forwarded using the methods and solely for the reasons established and governed by the same Authority.

 

C. Appeal to the competent judicial authority
When appealing to judicial authorities, the customer must file a case with the Justice of the Peace or the competent Court in terms of value and geographical territory, in accordance with the procedures provided for by the legislation in force, after having carried out the obligatory attempt at conciliation..

11.2.     Strikes

In accordance with the provisions of Law 146/1990 as amended by Law 83/2000, the company shall provide timely notice of planned strikes. In line with the aforementioned law, in the event of a strike, the provision of indispensable services to ensure the enjoyment of the constitutionally protected rights of the individual, as better indicated in Article 1, paragraph 2 of Law 83/2000, is in any case guaranteed, with a minimum notice period of not less than five days and with an indication of the duration of abstention from work.  In the event of a strike, all services departing from the place of origin are in any case guaranteed during the following guarantee periods:

  • UMBRIA
    • LPT and alternative mobility - Province of Perugia 6:00 - 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    • LPT and alternative mobility - Province of Terni: 6:30 - 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
  • VENETO
    • Padua urban service: 5:30 - 8:29 a.m. and 12:30 - 3:29 p.m.
    • Padua inter-city service: 5:00 - 8:29 a.m. and 12:00 - 2:29 p.m.
    • Rovigo urban service: 5:00 - 8:15 a.m. and 12:00 - 2:45 p.m. in winter; 5:00 - 8:15 a.m. and 5:15 - 8:00 p.m. in summer.
    • Rovigo inter-city service: 5:00 - 8:15 a.m. and 12:00 - 2:45 p.m. in winter; 5:00 - 8:15 a.m. and 5:15 - 8:00 p.m. in summer.
  • CAMPANIA
    • Full service is provided for all departures between 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and between 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
    • The company undertakes to provide timely and widespread information on strikes and guaranteed runs with at least three days' notice, as stipulated in the service contracts.

11.3.     Accessibility

Busitalia offers its services to all citizens by ensuring equal treatment and supports accessibility to the transport services provided for all citizens with disabilities and reduced mobility.

Travellers must facilitate elderly persons and PRM during the journey, by refraining from occupying the seats reserved to them, which must in any case be given up at the request of the entitled persons. There is at least one seat reserved to the elderly, to PRM and pregnant woman on all vehicles.

Newly acquired vehicles (based on the model) are equipped with a platform for PRM, low floor and at least one central interior seat reserved for travellers with reduced mobility.

The company ticket offices and the customer care service provide all the information about services and access conditions for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility.

To request information and assistance, please write to the relevant e-mail addresses published on the fsbusitalia.it website, specifying in the subject line "LPT service accessibility".

 

11.3.1. Accompanying persons for people with disabilities

An accompanying person travels free of charge if the need for continuous accompaniment is established. This is demonstrated by showing the relevant document at the start of the journey, stating the need for continuous accompaniment.

 

11.3.2. Bus stops/stations

The Company does not control the conditions of the infrastructure at the stops and stations served and, consequently, of access for disabled persons or persons with reduced mobility. No guarantees can be made in this respect. The responsibility in this case lies with the station operator on duty.

 

11.3.3. Denial of transport

Should it be physically impossible, due to the configuration of the vehicle or infrastructure, including stations and stops, for the disabled person or person with reduced mobility to safely board, disembark or be transported, the Company reserves the right not to issue or otherwise provide the ticket and not to allow the person in question to board the bus. In this case, the person concerned is informed of all other acceptable alternative means of transport using the services offered by the Company.

The passenger in question will be informed immediately of the reasons for denial of transport and, upon request, in writing, within five working days of receipt of the request. 

 

11.3.4. Transport of wheelchairs or walking aids

People with disabilities or reduced mobility are entitled to free transport of their folding wheelchair or walking aids in the luggage compartment of the vehicle or in the dedicated on-board space, where present. For safety reasons, wheelchairs must be foldable and non-electric.

Wheelchair transport may be denied if sufficient evidence shows that safe transport may not be possible or doubtful. The Company disclaims all liability for damage attributable to deficient technical conditions of the wheelchair.

The Company shall reimburse the cost of repair or replacement of mobility equipment (such as wheelchairs and other aid devices) in the event of loss or damage attributable to the carrier's liability. If necessary, the carrier will undertake to provide a temporary replacement for any lost or damaged equipment, to the extent possible.

11.4.     Service Charter

The Service Charter is the document through which Busitalia (or its subsidiaries) makes commitments to its customers regarding the services offered, how they are provided, its quality standards and also informs them of the protection arrangements in place.

12. Refunds

12.1.     Cases of refunds/compensations

12.1.1. Refunds due to inefficiency - BUS/TRAM

For bus/tram transport services, Busitalia provides refunds in the event of inefficiencies assimilated to CANCELLATIONS OR DELAYS/ANTICIPATIONS pursuant to Article 48, paragraph 12-ter, of Decree-Law 50 of 24 April 2017, converted into law, with amendments, by Article 1(1) of Law 96 of 21 June 2017. 

Refund claims can be made for the following cases: 

a)      Urban services:  

  • In the event of cancelled or departure from the terminus or a stop delayed for over 30 minutes with respect to the current timetable. 
  • In the event of departure from the terminus more than 10 minutes before the current timetable, if there is no other run scheduled for the next 30 minutes. 

b)      Inter-city services:  

  • In the event of cancelled or departure from the terminus or a stop delayed for over 60 minutes with respect to the current timetable. 
  • In the event of departure from the terminus more than 10 minutes before the current timetable, if there is no other run scheduled for the next 60 minutes. 

No refund is due if the delay or interruption of service results from circumstances and factors beyond the Company's control (including, but not limited to, natural disasters, strikes, weather events, critical road conditions and other unforeseeable emergencies).  

If one of the cases referred to in the above points (A, B) occurs, the refund claim must be made in writing, using the dedicated form, at the customer info points, or sent by certified emails - within seven days of the event occurring - to Busitalia, by specifying the event that generated the request, the line, the journey departure and arrival stop, the timetable of the service used, the claimant’s name, surname, address, email address, and enclosing: 

  • For tickets for which validation or activation is mandatory: 
    • For delays: the original ticket validated on the relevant journey. 
    • For interruptions or early departure, as described in points A and B: the original ticket validated on the first useful journey following the one interrupted or not used due to early departure. 
  • For holders of a valid season ticket on the route concerned, a copy of the paper season ticket and the badge code, where applicable. 

The refund is equal to: 

  • For single tickets, the ticket price.
  • For season tickets, the daily price of the season ticket (total price/days of validity).
  • For ticket books, the price of a single ticket (ticket book price/number of tickets). 

No refunds of less than EUR 4.00 and no allowances to holders of reduced tickets will be granted.

 

12.1.2. 12.1.2. Refunds for non-/partial use of the service

Refunds are only and exclusively granted for annual season tickets not subject to promos and/or reduced fares, in documented cases where the season ticket holder is  unable to use it for the reasons stated in the dedicated paragraph.  

The request claim should be submitted to Busitalia in good time or whenever the impossibility arises, duly documenting the reason. 

Refunds are subject to verification of the reasons stated, and a 5% penalty deduction is withheld from the nominal value of the season ticket refunded.  

In the event of partial use of the annual season ticket, Busitalia or its subsidiary, after carrying out the necessary checks, shall refund the difference between the price paid net of the penalty and the price due for actual use, the latter being calculated by taking into account the ordinary value of the monthly season ticket for each month used or fractions thereof. 

Badges are non-refundable. 

Season tickets may not be suspended. 

 

If the service is interrupted/suspended/modified temporarily or permanently, by decision of the Competent Entities, any refunds and the relevant modalities are subject to the provisions of the aforementioned Entities. 

Refund claims may be submitted by: 

  • The season ticket holder, if over 18 years of age. 
  • By a parent/guardian, in the case of a minor. 
  • By an attorney of the entitled parties, provided with a proxy signed by the delegating party and the delegate and a copy of the valid identity document of the delegating party and the delegate, the latter if the request is made by electronic or traditional mail. 

The refund claim must be made in writing, using the dedicated form sent by certified email, to Busitalia, specifying name, surname, address, contact details, badge number/season ticket number, reason for the request and supporting documents. 

 

Cases of refunds for non-/partial use of the service

Refunds for non-/partial use of the service are only and exclusively granted for annual season tickets not subject to promos and/or reduced fares, in documented cases where the season ticket holder is unable to use it.  

For the purpose of verifying the inability of the season ticket holder to use it, the cases provided for are specified: 

a) Change of residence or domicile: refunds are only granted upon presentation of a certificate/document proving the change of residence or domicile. 

b) Change of school: refunds are only granted upon presentation of a certificate/document proving enrolment at another school. 

c) Withdrawal from studies: refunds are only granted upon presentation of a certificate attesting to the withdrawal from studies. 

d) An illness/accident that does not allow the season ticket holder to use the services: refunds are only granted upon presentation of a medical certificate with no diagnosis issued by a public or private hospital, for a certified period of hospitalisation that includes the season ticket period. 

For changes of residence or school, the Company shall verify/establish that the new situation does not allow the ticket holder to use the season ticket anyway.  

12.2.     Compensation for failure or delay in responding to a complaint

Pursuant to Annex A "Misure concernenti il contenuto minimo degli specifici diritti che gli utenti dei servizi di trasporto ferroviario e con autobus possono esigere nei confronti dei gestori dei servizi e delle relative infrastrutture con riguardo al trattamento dei reclami” to ART Resolution 28/2021, in the event of a delayed reply, the customer is entitled to receive automatic compensation commensurate with the price of the ticket for the transport service, for no less than:

a) 10% in the case of a reply supplied between the 91st and 120th day after receipt of the complaint;

b) 20% in the case of a reply not provided by the 120th day after receipt of the complaint.

In case of season tickets, the amount of such compensation to be paid in case of delayed reply is equal to the percentage set out in points a) and b) with respect to the daily portion (total cost/days of validity) of the full cost of the season ticket.

In the case of ticket books, the amount of such compensation to be paid in case of delayed reply is equal to the percentage set out in points a) and b) with respect to the value of the single ticket (total cost/number of tickets).

In all cases, compensation is not due if:

  • the amount of the compensation is less than € 4;
  • the complaint is not sent by the Customer using the method, containing the minimum information and within the timeframe indicated in the Complaints section;
  • the customer has already received compensation for failure or delay in responding to a complaint concerning the same journey.

For details on how the compensation is paid, please refer to the relevant section of the Service Charter.

12.3.     Compensation of damages for civil liability

If the passenger, while on one of Busitalia’s vehicles (or one of its Subsidiaries’) or while getting on/off them, suffers personal injury as a result of an accident that is related to the service, Busitalia (or its Subsidiary) shall be liable for it unless it proves that the accident occurred for reasons not attributable to it.

Objects and animals admitted for transport remain within the sole custody of the traveller. Busitalia (or its subsidiary) shall be liable in the event of total or partial loss or damage during travel as a result of an accident if the consequences of the accident are the responsibility of Busitalia (or its subsidiary), or if the loss or damage is the fault of the Company.

In the event of total or partial loss of or damage to mobility equipment or other specific equipment for people with a disability or persons with reduced mobility or of injury to support dogs used by a person with a disability or reduced mobility, attributable to the Company, it shall provide compensation, which includes: 

a) the cost of replacing or repairing lost or damaged mobility equipment or assistance devices; 

b) the cost of replacing or treating the lost or injured assistance dog; 

c) the reasonable costs of temporary replacement of mobility equipment, assistance devices, or assistance dogs. 

The Company provides insurance cover for the users of its services in cases of:

  • Personal injury, i.e. if the passenger, while on the bus, suffers an injury as a result of an accident that is related to the service performed. 
  • Damage to property, or in the event of total or partial loss or damage during travel as a result of an accident, if this is due to the fault of the Company. For liability purposes, the Company is not liable for valuables that may be contained in luggage (e.g. cash, securities, objects of art and antiques, valuables and similar items).

In both cases, if the damage arises from events whose causes can with certainty be attributed to the liability of the Company, the procedures provided for in the insurance cover will be followed.

Please refer to the Info page on the fsbusitalia.it portal for compensation methods.

13. Lost property

Lost property found on board vehicles must be handed over to the driver/travelling personnel or to the dedicated company structures.

Any property found is retained for its rightful owners within the terms of the law for their collection. Lost property on board vehicles is generally recovered during cleaning operations, and is available the day after being found at the lost property office. Before going to this office, call the relevant offices to actually verify if they have found the lost property. Owners can reach the contact details given on the company website www.fsbusitalia.it, providing all the information needed to confirm their ownership.

The Company is not liable for objects left unattended in company vehicles and premises.

Busitalia is in no way bound to finding or safekeeping any lost property, and is also not liable in the event of failure to find any lost property or its partial finding, if the object is damaged or does not fully correspond to the condition in which it was left in the vehicles.

The service is of a commercial nature and does not replace the provisions of current legislation concerning the recovery of lost property (Civil code Art. 927 et seq.).

14. Jurisdiction

Any legal action in any way related to the aforementioned Transport Conditions shall be filed or continued in the court located in the plaintiff's municipality of residence.

15. Intellectual property rights

All intellectual property rights relating to Busitalia and its Subsidiaries's services belong exclusively to Busitalia, which shall retain ownership thereof even after termination of the contract. The purchase of Busitalia's services does not grant passengers any right of use and/or licence with respect to the intellectual property relating to the Company's services.

For the purposes of this paragraph, intellectual property shall mean all present and future rights of authorship (copyright), trademarks, distinctive signs, know-how, patents, utility models, inventions, domains, designs, models and any other intellectual and/or industrial property right recognised in any international jurisdiction, including all related applications and registrations and the rights to request the same in connection with Busitalia services.

16. Other relevant provisions

The purchase by the passenger of a transport service from Busitalia through the online sales channel implies automatic and full acceptance of these Transport Conditions and of the other regulations cited (including, but not limited to, the personal data protection notice and the cookie policy, which can be found on the site).

It is not permitted to use the Busitalia site for purposes other than consulting the online catalogue to purchase services. In particular, the use of automated systems to extract data from the Busitalia site for commercial use ('Screen Scraping') is prohibited. The Company reserves the right to take action to prosecute any violations. 

17. Personal data protection

The processing of the personal data acquired is carried out in compliance with EU Regulation 679/2016 and Italian Legislative Decree 196/2003, as amended, on the protection of personal data. 

The purposes and methods of the processing are set out in the specific privacy policy, which passengers can view in the 'Data Protection' section.

18. Referral to legislation

For matters not expressly provided for in these General Transport Conditions, reference is made to the EU, national, regional and local regulations currently in force and where applicable.