Terravision v Sit Bus
The heavyweight bus battle to transfer low cost airline passengers between Ciampino Airport and central Rome is currently being won by Terravision.
But the company may be in for a harder fight in the later rounds as rival Sit Bus Shuttle gains some extra pounds.
We're not referring to the ticket price (Sit undercuts Terravision by 2 euros) but the now marked difference in offer.
Sit now runs a service much like Terravision used to - no frills, cheap ticket, get there on the half hour and off you go.
Terravision now has its own brightly illuminated coffee bar, proposes a non stop hop on hop off service and promotes online booking.
Such additional services are more than welcome, but they may raise expectations.
We understood that Terravision always gave priority seating to customers who booked online.
Now its seems everyone has to make a visit to the dedicated coffee shop to receive their e-voucher before getting on board.
At least that is how it was explained to us when we turned up last week to take our seats.
Meanwhile, the half empty Sit Bus Shuttle pulled silently away as we waited for the next ride, although we arrived at Ciampino in more than enough time.
By the way, for the ultimate in hassle free city to airport travel, try the Liverpool Street - Stanstead Airport Express. Every 15 mins, lots of seats, no waiting in the rain. The difference in price can be made up by one less coffee or scratch card inflight.
