Is the train delayed?
'Ritardo' — ri-TAR-do. Stress on the second syllable.
Ask this when you have been waiting on the platform longer than expected. You can ask other waiting passengers or a station employee.
'In ritardo' is a fixed prepositional phrase meaning delayed or late. Italians also use 'in anticipo' (early) and 'in orario' (on time). These three phrases cover all punctuality situations on Italian transport.
Quanto ritardo ha?
How delayed is it?
Asks for the number of minutes.
Il metro funziona regolarmente?
Is the metro running normally?
Broader question covering strikes or service disruptions.
C'è uno sciopero oggi?
Is there a strike today?
Essential phrase — Italian public transport strikes are common.
Italian metro systems are generally more reliable than surface buses, but strikes (scioperi) are legally permitted and happen several times a year. By law, a minimum service must be guaranteed during peak hours even during strikes.