Official porters reinstated to combat crime

Rome's Termini station has reinstated luggage porters, after years of absence, in response to increasing reports of crime.

The seven porters are currently recognised by their yellow jackets with "portabagagli autorizzato" written on the back, however from 15 October they will have an official blue uniform.

The move is designed to provide a useful service to commuters as well as stopping criminals masquerading as baggage porters, according to station authorities who say the initiative is in an experimental phase but will be expanded in time.

The service costs €6 per suitcase delivered from trains to either the taxi rank outside or subway below, and up to €8 for a journey over two kilometres from the station. It is available from 09.00-19.00, and authorities say it will soon be possible to book in advance by using an app.

The porters will work mainly in the busiest areas of the station – serving Via Marsala and Piazza dei Cinquecento – and are expected to deal predominantly with commuters arriving off the Leonardo Express from Fiumicino airport.

The porter service has also been reinstated at S. Maria Novella station in Florence and Milano Centrale in Milan.

Photo La Repubblica