For now, the controversy seems to be going faster than the new buses. "A decision that fell from above. In practice, it is a step backwards after the conquest of pedestrianization," they say in chorus. Thus, on social media, the hashtag #iononpassonellapiazza has also appeared. Which in this case is that of San Giacomo, in Villanova, where the change in the route of line 7 is causing discussion before it even starts. While in Castello, they are celebrating the restoration of the public service, interrupted for years due to scaffolding on via Lamarmora.
Widespread discontent
The discontent runs through the websites of Villanova's neighborhood committees and continues in the real world. "A defeat for the entire city, perhaps the final blow for the neighborhood and certainly for the square that we residents fought to make pedestrian-friendly. It was the only space where our children gathered to kick a ball around, many learned to ride a bike while we adults socialized," observes Giuseppe Vacca, who does not rule out future peaceful sit-ins. "First the square was turned into tables, now it is being reopened to traffic: a sign that Villanova's project has failed miserably." Marco Masala, president of the Vivere A Villanova neighborhood committee, is the spokesperson for the widespread discontent: "A decision imposed from above, arrived without any discussion with those who live in the neighborhood every day and know its limits and potential," he begins. "Going back on the choices of pedestrianization is very wrong, it's equivalent to regressing. We understand the difficulties of the CTM's means but with good will alternatives can be found, not by opening the cages as they intend to do." Alberto Cibin, president of the association “Laboratorio Villanova”, also intervenes: «An unexpected piece of news and we don’t understand the reasons for it», he comments. «My opinion is that the square should remain pedestrian and we should look for alternatives, because doing so would take away precious space for children and would make the neighborhood a place of conviviality. We are trying to understand what the implications will be, we will ask for clarifications and then we will decide what actions to take».
The councilor
Technical tests are scheduled for today, in the meantime, the councilor for Mobility Yuri Marcialis is trying to restore peace. "The restoration of public transport service in historic districts is of fundamental importance to guarantee the right to mobility and greater safety. Many citizens have been waiting for it for years and this is also why it is a priority", he reiterates, explaining that it will be completely electric vehicles, which will guarantee a sustainable and environmentally friendly service. As for the change of route in Villanova, he defends the choice made: "The small change of route on Piazza San Giacomo was a necessary choice due to the electric vehicles of the CTM and Piazza San Giacomo will have limited traffic for electric buses and for residents' cars, as already happens in other streets, such as Via San Domenico".
