Originally Posted by
DocWatson
Ah, yes, that would have been helpful information. Going end of August, to Palau on the 21st and back to Olbia on the 28th. What is the different between seasonal tourist buses and public transport? We are looking for public transport really.
And what do you mean by interruption?
The regional bus company runs all year long. There are private companies like Turmotravel, Digitur, Caramelli, that run buses from June to September to profit from the high season with increased number of visitors. They are slightly more expensive than public transportation, which I think is only a few euros.
You should have some idea of a back up plan for any form of transportation because of irregularities like a strike. For example, if you plan on taking a train in NYC or on Long Island there is a significant chance that it will be broken down and not running. Transportation in Italy is much more reliable. Strikes happen, but because things are more modern, they affect transportation less frequently than breakage and need for repairs affects transportation in NY.
So if there is an irregularity, such as a strike, you don't want to just sit there with your bags on the platform. There are so many reports of how old and dysfunctional the public transportation system is in NYC that last week people were pulling the emergency exit cord and walking on the subway tracks to work, ignoring the dangers of the electrified third rail that will kill you on touch, and all of the rats scurrying around. You won't need that type of back up plan in Italy, where public transportation is much better.
It might be knowing how long the strike will last (often only a few hours), which lines are affected, how to take a taxi, or rent a car, if there is an irregularity, which generally means a short strike. Public transportation generally runs without a hitch in Italy, but anytime you are traveling it is a good idea to be familiar with the options before hand, rather than standing at a platform and thinking, "now what?"
The chances of none of the buses running are pretty close to zero, but you should have the name and number of a taxi and rental service, and look at the website to foresee if there are any strikes before you go. Strikes are usually for only a few hours, and are well publicized in advanced, so that you can work around them. You'll be fine.