Trenitalia is looking for new night train fleet

[Stephen Lee]

Trenitalia seeks new night train fleet

Trenitalia has launched a tender to acquire up to 370 coaches for Intercity Night services between northern Italy and Sicily.

www.railjournal.com

ITALIAN state operator Trenitalia has launched a tender to acquire new rolling stock for Intercity Night services to Sicily.

The framework agreement covers the supply of up to 370 coaches over a period of five years, with a minimum guaranteed quantity of 70 vehicles.

Total value of the framework deal is €732.6m, with the minimum order for 70 coaches expected to be worth €138.6m.

The new fleet is being funded with part of the €200m allocated to Trenitalia to purchase new rolling stock in November 2021 by minister of sustainable infrastructure and mobility, Mr Enrico Giovannini.

Investment in new rolling stock forms part of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

The tender notice does not specify the precise type of coach to be supplied, but Trenitalia is expected to place orders with a single supplier in order to simplify operation and maintenance, while maintaining the integrity of the Intercity Night brand.

The new overnight fleet is expected to enter services from 2024.

I wondered which manufacturer will win the tender, will it be Siemens, Stadler or even Talgo? Anyone have ideas?