Trenitalia has initiated a 2 billion EUR programme that is focused on the expansion of high-speed rail and broader fleet renewal, as Gianpiero Strisciuglio, the chief executive, has confirmed plans to bring about another 74 Frecciarossa 1000 fleet of trains by 2030.
This strategy came to light during the Masseria Winter Edition Forum, wherein Strisciuglio went on to outline the approach by the operator to capacity growth and technological development, along with rising competition when it comes to European passenger rail markets.
Expansion of High-Speed Fleet
It is worth noting that the planned acquisition of 74 Frecciarossa 1000 units goes on to form a key element of the programme. The trains are most likely to function on the domestic high-speed corridors along with certain selected international routes.
Another set of rolling stock is likely to offer support across higher service frequency when it comes to busy lines and help with further cross-border operations. Apparently, the fleet expansion happens to be a part of a longer-term plan as far as the Frecciarossa brand of trains is concerned.
The CEO and General Manager of Trenitalia, Gianpiero Strisciuglio, said, “2026 will see the continuation of Trenitalia’s fleet expansion plan, which has the Frecciarossa as its successful product and brand.”
Regional and Intercity Services Renewal
In addition to the high-speed investment, Trenitalia also confirmed a continued renewal when it comes to regional rolling stock, which apparently is partly supported through funding coming from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of Italy. Trenitalia went on to report that over 80% of its regional fleet now has newer-generation trains, which represent more than 1,000 vehicles out of almost 1,300.
The company anticipates the average age when it comes to regional trains to fall to anywhere between five and ten years by next year’s end. When it comes to the Intercity segment, over 30 new trains that make use of hybrid and electric as well as battery tech have been scheduled for introduction, with an aim to enhance services throughout routes that are not completely electrified.
Connectivity as well as Onboard Technology
In addition to this, Trenitalia is also looking to introduce enhancements in digital connectivity. Trials pertaining to a dedicated 5G network have already taken place when we talk of the Turin–Milan corridor, and the operator has said it is evaluating certain additional alternatives that include satellite-based systems so as to decrease any sort of coverage gaps and elevate the onboard access to internet.
Strisciuglio remarked that the connectivity still remains a major area when it comes to passenger experience and that many technical solutions happen to be under review.
Operational Viewpoint
Interestingly, the expansion of the Frecciarossa 1000 fleet of trains is crafted to grow the capacity that’s available and also make better usage when it comes to the present rail infrastructure.
The approach does reflect the growing demand related to high-speed rail in the liberalized market of Italy and also goes on to form part of the much broader strategy as far as the Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane group is concerned.
Notably, Trenitalia anticipates operational perks to include enhanced energy efficiency along with higher seat occupancy and, of course, a reduced operating expense per seat-kilometer.
It is well to be noted that the operator has framed the programme as a model of its push to go ahead and make the role of rail within national mobility much stronger and also shift towards much lower emission transport alternatives.
