nochblad

Italo Treni has just introduced a new service called Italobus (with special dedicated coaches) which connects the the high speed train station at Reggio Emilia with the following cities:

Parma - 9 daily connections
Modena - 9 daily connections
Piacenza - 6 daily connections (3 direct, 3 stopping at Parma)
Mantova - 6 daily connections (2 direct, 4 stopping at Carpi)
Sassuolo - 6 daily connections (all stopping at Modena)
Cremona - 4 daily connections (all stopping at Parma)
Carpi - 4 daily connections
Train and bus tickets can already be booked together - http://www.italotreno.it/?sc_lang=en - but there is not yet a full timetable available. It goes with out saying that the bus timetable is coordinated with the Italo train arrivals/departures at the Reggio Emilia Mediopadana station. This station is quite spectacular – designed by Santiago Calatrava – and is roughly 1.5 miles from Reggio Emilia city centre. There is a local train service which connects the two.

sandralist

I'll be interested to see the schedule, and wonder if some of the connections are any faster than what Trenitalia already offers, espcially since so many of the connections make another stop.

TDudette

Thanks for the info, nochblad.

nochblad

sandralist - I will keep my eyes open for the timetable. The photos of the coaches gives the impression that they are quite classy. It would be a real plus if they offer free wifi as on the trains.

I have taken some of the regional trains in Emilia Romagna and the quality of the carriages is not that great.

If Italobus provides a seamless service with exemplary service by the bus driver/staff then they could be on to a winner here. I particularly like the connection with Mantova, one of my favourite cities (after Como, of course).

nochblad

Just called. No wifi on the coach but if enough ask for it perhaps they will introduce it!

sandralist

Thanks! I will be looking too. One problem for me is that while I can read on trains, I frequently get nauseous if I read on buses, and some of those bus rides are rather long.

The most important news regarding Italo for me is that they are now operating out of Milano Centrale instead of Porto Garibaldi.

(Mantova is a favorite of mine as well. I have never been to Como, although I would like to see the church there some day. )

sandralist

Self-correcting PortA Garibaldi

sandralist

nochblad,

In case you've never read this about Mantova

http://italiannotes.com/dickens-and-...-mantova-ital/