Riazzino station (Ticino)

The upcoming renovation would have been extremely expensive without really strengthening environmentally friendly transport. The new station and its access routes are built according to SBB standards. Together with the region’s dual-system trains FLIRT (Fast Light Innovative Regional Train), they display modern appearances and give public transport a new attractive face, even for the passing motorized private transport. The station is located directly adjacent to the underpass of the cantonal road Riazzino – Locarno-Quartino Airport. When the new station was built, the underpass was renovated and separate pedestrian and cycle lanes were added.

Plans are made that in future, the pedestrian lane will also lead to the second platform which will be built together with the Ceneri Base Tunnel. The cantonal road Bellinzona – Locarno runs parallel to the north side of the railway. The new stop lies in the heart of an important cantonal industrial and commercial zone which also features medium-sized shops and service companies. In addition, it is situated at an interface of superior road and bicycle networks.

The station is served by the S-Bahn 20 Locarno – Bellinzona – Castione every 30 minutes, and every 15 minutes at rush hour. It offers approximately 40 Park & Rail and approximately 18 Bike & Rail facilities. The area where the Park & Rail facilities are located can be used for future upgrades, in particular for the half-hourly service of the TILO Locarno – Lugano through the Ceneri Base Tunnel. Furthermore, the public transport hub is served by the regional bus line Locarno – Cugnasco – Gudo – Bellinzona.

Although the new Riazzino station is very modest in size, the actual move of the station within a developing settlement area and the development of the infrastructure to accommodate human-powered mobility display courage and vision.