For students of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Spatial Planning, an excursion to Italy organised by the Research Unit Track-bound Transportation Systems took place this year from 26 September to 3 October.

In addition to a tour of the former Bonassola–Levanto railway line, which was abandoned after the completion of a new line and is now used as a cycle path and footpath, and a visit to the Museo Nazionale dei Transporti in La Spezia, the students were able to gain insights into the various public transport systems in the region.

Particular highlights included the lifts and funicular railways of AMT Genova. The group also had the opportunity to visit the automatic underground railway of GTT Torino. Another item on the programme took place at the Politecnico di Milano, where our group attended a lecture on regional rail transport in the Lombardy region.

There were opportunities to make contact with companies in the industry during a visit to Expo Ferroviaria in Milan. The trip concluded with an open day at the Fondazione FS, where historic rail vehicles could be admired, and a visit to Milan Cathedral as part of the cultural programme.

Special thanks go to all the transport companies and individuals who made the excursion programme possible with their guided tours and expertise – grazie mille!