No trains from Sicily to the North

SARA Scarafia (www.repubblica.it)

Officially, the plan has not yet effective, but Trenitalia has in fact already deleted the long-distance trains that reach Sicily from the North. Because the only certainty at present is that from December 12 you can not book a train linking the South with the rest of Italy. Until 11 December bookings are regular connections ,from 12, the eve of the activation of the new timetable announced by Trenitalia, has black-out. A nightmare especially in view of the Christmas holidays. How will commuters who want to go home for Christmas? Book is currently impossible.
Also Undersecretary to the Prime Minister and leader of Forza South(new party) Gianfranco Micciche: "I tried to book a train from Milan to Syracuse to January 5, 2011 and I was told that the train has been canceled. And trains from northern Italy stop in Villa San Giovanni ( a town ath the end of Italy, just in front of Sicily.where they are put on ferries to get the island). I asked for informations to Trenitalia and I was told that because the resources have been cut for the railways, being a Trenitalia a Spa,it cut unprofitable routes. that this is the first effect of federalism? ".
The case is also addressed by Governor Raffaele Lombardo, who wrote to the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation Matteoli: "These measures, if confirmed, further impoverish Sicily and Sicilians." The revolution of Trenitalia, though the entry into force of the winter timetable will be confirmed about long-distance trains in Sicily, turn into an odyssey travel to the North: by bus to Messina, through half Sicily Then the ferry, perhaps in the evening, to Villa San Giovanni. Finally, waiting at the station until dawn, hoping to still find a place on a train to the North.
Trenitalia does no confirmation nor a denial, two days after the complaint Fit CISL has warned. According to reports on the plan, to be triggered on December 13 with the entry into force of the winter, the rush of passenger seats goes from four thousand to less than three thousand. From Syracuse, Catania and Agrigento no more trains to Milan, Turin and Venice. It will also cut the links with Rome Termini. But what should a passenger do then? Who has to reach for example from Agrigento Milan now has five trains: if the revolution will be effective, there will not be any more. From Agrigento, therefore, should go to Messina by bus or with a car along 288 kilometers of road.
Arrived in Messina will embark on Villa San Giovanni: a ferry every 40 minutes. The last at 22. 40. Then, after crossing the Strait, will have to look for a train, hoping to find a place. From Catania to Messina there are 96 miles, 154 from Syracuse: from Syracuse depart today five trains a day for Milan.
Cutting the convoys will result in a cut of seats: and a consequent overcrowding of the sections remained in force. There is therefore a risk that after more than a half-day trip, a Agrigento person is forced to wait hours before finding a place? Or find a place but is forced to stand up for more than twelve hours of travel?