A situation defined as “difficult and unsustainable” yesterday led the residents of the Autolinee area and Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro to meet the mayor Franz Caruso at Palazzo dei Bruzi. A delegation from the spontaneous Committee explained to the mayor the serious critical issues affecting the area, placing particular emphasis on safety in the evening hours and urban decay.
The heart of the problem lies in the bus station, in the Radio Libere house and in some commercial areas, where there is a strong perception of insecurity and failure to respect the rules on decorum. Residents ask for rapid and decisive interventions to restore dignity and liveability to the entire neighborhood.
The mayor’s response: skills and commitments
Mayor Franz Caruso, while recognizing the seriousness of the situation, outlined the limits of the Municipality’s direct competence on some crucial aspects.
“I know the problem very well – declared the mayor – but the Municipality has no direct competence on the redevelopment or moving of the bus station, aspects for which we had already asked Ferrovie della Calabria for interventions aimed at moving the terminal to Vaglio Lise.”
Caruso recalled the initiative already undertaken to urge the transfer of the bus terminal to Vaglio Lise – where a transport hub should be built – maintaining a reduced exchange area in the center for electric buses only. The safety issue, however, is actively followed by the Prefecture. “I understand the concerns of the residents and I believe it is necessary to intervene so that the situation finds a definitive solution,” he added.
More controls and better lighting
Among the main requests made by the spontaneous Committee, the need to guarantee a greater presence of the Municipal Police in the area stands out. The mayor welcomed the proposal, justifying the current shortage with the known lack of staff.
“With the arrival of new units – explained Caruso – we will try to strengthen the controls of our local police, for a greater perception of safety and to enforce the rules on urban decorum and correct waste disposal.”
Another fundamental point shared with the residents is the strengthening of the lighting in the Radio Libere house. The mayor reassured that the municipal energy efficiency project, already approved, provides for specific interventions in the most exposed areas, including the bus area.
Institutional summits on the agenda for urgent solutions
At the end of the meeting, Mayor Caruso maintained the commitment made to the residents, immediately taking action on the institutional front.
He promptly informed the Prefect of Cosenza, Rosa Maria Padovano, asking for the urgency of addressing the safety issue of the bus area again. The Prefect accepted the request, expressing full availability to convene a new meeting of the Committee for Public Order and Security by the month of December or, at the latest, in the first ten days of January 2026.
On the logistical front, a positive dialogue was initiated with the commissioner of Ferrovie della Calabria, Aristide Vercillo. The mayor will meet the commissioner in the next few days to urge the start of urgent redevelopment work on the bus station, which is owned by the company.
“I am at your side – concluded the mayor, addressing the residents – and I will do everything within my competences and responsibilities to revive this area, giving it back the dignity it deserves and guaranteeing residents a better quality of life”.