Tilo

TILO, short for Treni Internazionali Ticino-Lombardia, is a cross-border rail operator brand formed as a joint venture between the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) and Trenitalia. It was created to operate regional train services across the Switzerland–Italy border in the Ticino canton and the Lombardy region, with the aim of improving cross-border commuting and regional mobility.

The TILO network primarily serves the Lugano metropolitan area, linking Lugano with Chiasso and Como San Giovanni, and provides onward connections to the Italian rail network through its partners. The service supports regional travel across the border and integrates with local and national timetables, offering a coordinated cross-border travel option for residents and visitors.

Governance and history: TILO was established as a joint venture to coordinate cross-border services and to integrate timetable planning with cantonal and regional transport authorities. It operates in cooperation with its parent companies, SBB CFF FFS and Trenitalia, sharing responsibilities for service management, rolling stock use, and maintenance within the cross-border corridor.

Fleet and operations: The TILO service uses electric multiple-unit trains supplied by its parent operators, configured for frequent regional service and capable of operating in alpine environments. Trains run under the TILO timetable, with operations synchronized with Swiss and Italian network schedules to facilitate seamless cross-border travel.

Impact and context: TILO is part of broader cross-border mobility initiatives in the Alpine region, aiming to reduce travel times, encourage regional development, and provide reliable public transportation options across the Ticino–Lombardy corridor.