The new direct train service
between Villa Opicina, Italy, and Rijeka, Croatia, via Slovenia,
which was coordinated by the Executive Secretariat of the
Central European Initiative (CEI) and implemented as part of the
Interreg Central Europe 'Sustance' project, took its first run
today. The project aims to improve the connection of rural,
peripheral, and cross-border areas with urban areas in Central
Europe.
The train, a Stadler of the Slovenian Railways, traveled
partly on the historic Southern Railway between Vienna and
Trieste, completed in 1857, and partly on the Pivka-Fiume, also
built during the Habsburg era and opened to traffic in 1873.
Passengers can enjoy a modern train equipped with WiFi, bike
racks, and space for strollers operated by the staff of the
Slovenian and Croatian railway companies on their respective
national networks.
"A tangible example of cooperation to promote the integration
of new cross-border transport links," explained Daria Kocjan,
Director of the Passenger Division of Slovenian Railways. After
an experimental phase, until the end of September, the project
"could consolidate and turn into a stable and continuous
service," CEI Secretary General Roberto Antonione underlined at
the service's opening ceremony.
On yesterday's first trip, mayors from the various
municipalities encountered on the route boarded the train while
guests were entertained with music, dancing, and local products.
Upon the train's timely arrival in Rijeka, Mayor Marko Filipovic
and several regional authorities welcomed the passengers.
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