Trenitalia has unveiled a €2 billion investment programme aimed at expanding its high-speed fleet and modernising its rolling stock across the board.
The CEO of the Italian state-owned operator, Gianpiero Strisciuglio, confirmed the acquisition of 74 new Frecciarossa 1000 units to be delivered before the end of the decade, during the Masseria Winter Edition Forum.
These new trains will be deployed on congested domestic corridors and international routes, increasing service frequency and cross-border operations. They will belong to the second generation of the ETR 1000 (Class 410), developed solely by Hitachi and first presented in 2024.
Strisciuglio emphasised that “2026 will see the continued expansion of the fleet, with the Frecciarossa standing out as our flagship product and most successful brand,” aiming to maximise capacity within existing rail infrastructure.
Regional and Intercity renewal
More than 80% of Trenitalia’s regional fleet (over 1,000 of its 1,300 vehicles) already consists of next-generation trains, financed through Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The average fleet age is expected to drop to just 5–10 years by 2027.
For Intercity services, over 30 new hybrid, fully electric, and battery-powered trains will be introduced for operation on non-electrified routes.
Enhanced onboard connectivity and sustainability are also key aspects of Trenitalia’s service upgrade. 5G networks are being tested along the Turin–Milan corridor, while satellite systems are being trialled to close coverage gaps and ensure uninterrupted onboard internet access. The plan also targets higher energy efficiency, increased seat occupancy, and lower cost per seat-kilometre.