Is there a replacement service today?
'Sostitutivo' — 'sos-ti-tu-TI-vo'. Five syllables; stress on the fourth.
Ask during strikes, roadworks, or metro closures when the normal line is suspended and you need to find an alternative.
'Servizio sostitutivo' is the official term for a replacement bus service. In Italy, metro lines frequently run replacement buses ('bus navetta') during engineering works at weekends.
Il servizio è sospeso oggi?
Is the service suspended today?
Asks about suspension before seeking alternatives.
C'è uno sciopero oggi?
Is there a strike today?
'Sciopero' (strike) is unfortunately a common occurrence in Italian transport.
Quale alternativa c'è per arrivare a...?
What alternative is there to get to...?
Open question asking for any viable alternative.
Italian public transport strikes must be announced 10 days in advance by law and must guarantee a minimum service during peak hours. Check the transport authority's website the day before travel.