Public-transport union AL-COBAS has launched a 24-hour strike today, 15 January 2026, affecting ATM Group services across metropolitan Milan. The stoppage covers the entire surface- and underground-network but must respect statutory ‘guarantee bands’; thus, limited metro service is running during the morning ( 06:00–09:00 ) and evening ( 18:00–21:00 ) peaks.
Outside those windows, metro lines 1-5, city trams and over 130 bus routes are subject to cancellations or severe frequency cuts. Milan’s Mobility Agency estimates that up to 800,000 passenger journeys could be disrupted—an early-year stress test for the city, which will also host ice-hockey events during the 2026 Winter Games.
For business travellers, the main pinch-points are transfers between Centrale or Porta Garibaldi rail stations and the city’s two airports. Taxis and app-based ride-services are operating but report wait times exceeding 40 minutes at peak. Employers with commuter workforces have been encouraged to activate flexible-work policies or remote-working arrangements.
![Milan commuters face 24-hour metro and bus walk-out]()
If the strike forces you to rearrange flights or adjust the timing of meetings, don’t overlook the visa side of your trip: VisaHQ can organise Italian tourist or business visas online, provide up-to-date entry rules and even handle urgent processing when plans shift unexpectedly. Check options at https://www.visahq.com/italy/.
Although AL-COBAS represents a minority of ATM staff, its actions have grown more frequent since late 2025 over demands for wage alignment with national rail contracts. Talks are scheduled for 22 January; failure could trigger further strikes timed around Fashion Week in February.
Visitors planning site inspections, client meetings or relocation tours in Milan today should allow extra travel time and keep digital tickets handy; enforcement officers remain on duty even during strikes.
Outside those windows, metro lines 1-5, city trams and over 130 bus routes are subject to cancellations or severe frequency cuts. Milan’s Mobility Agency estimates that up to 800,000 passenger journeys could be disrupted—an early-year stress test for the city, which will also host ice-hockey events during the 2026 Winter Games.
For business travellers, the main pinch-points are transfers between Centrale or Porta Garibaldi rail stations and the city’s two airports. Taxis and app-based ride-services are operating but report wait times exceeding 40 minutes at peak. Employers with commuter workforces have been encouraged to activate flexible-work policies or remote-working arrangements.
If the strike forces you to rearrange flights or adjust the timing of meetings, don’t overlook the visa side of your trip: VisaHQ can organise Italian tourist or business visas online, provide up-to-date entry rules and even handle urgent processing when plans shift unexpectedly. Check options at https://www.visahq.com/italy/.
Although AL-COBAS represents a minority of ATM staff, its actions have grown more frequent since late 2025 over demands for wage alignment with national rail contracts. Talks are scheduled for 22 January; failure could trigger further strikes timed around Fashion Week in February.
Visitors planning site inspections, client meetings or relocation tours in Milan today should allow extra travel time and keep digital tickets handy; enforcement officers remain on duty even during strikes.
