Hitachi Rails new 'Blues Train', one of the most advanced trains in the world, was unveiled today (Wednesday 21st 2022) in Berlin at the worlds largest rail transport fair, InnoTrans. Built for Trenitalia, the cutting-edge battery hybrid train will reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption by 50% and has the ability to arrive at and depart from stations completely under battery power. The train will be the first ever tri-mode (using battery, electric and diesel power) fleet to enter passenger service in Europe, later this year.
(Permalink) Blues Train Hitachi Rail Trenitalia Tri-mode

Trenitalia and First Group have joined forces to bid for two British passenger rail franchises - East Midlands and West Coast Partnership - which are due to be awarded in 2018.

The duo has submitted an expression of interest to the Department for Transport (DfT) for East Midlands as First Trenitalia East Midlands Rail in which First Group has a 70% holding and Trenitalia the remaining 30%. The East Midlands franchise, which is currently operated by Stagecoach, comprises inter-city services linking London St Pancras with Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield as well regional services to towns including Skegness, Grimsby, Worksop and Crewe, plus the Norwich - Liverpool route.
(Permalink) First Group Trenitalia

National Express is set to sell its last British rail franchise to the Italian state operator FS.
Trenitalia, part of FS Italiane Group, will acquire the c2c franchise for some £70 million, yielding a 'small net profit' for the Group. The deal is subject to the consent of the Department for Transport, and existing c2c management and staff are to be retained.
It will also mark the exit of National Express from the franchised rail sector in Britain, although it still has the concession to operate Midland Metro trams. At one time National Express held the largest number of franchises, which included ScotRail, Midland Mainline and Central Trains.
(Permalink) Midland Mainline Midland Metro National Express ScotRail Trenitalia c2c