Trenitalia has set out a 2 billion EUR programme focused on high-speed rail expansion and broader fleet renewal, with Chief Executive Gianpiero Strisciuglio confirming plans to introduce 74 additional Frecciarossa 1000 trains by the end of the decade.

The strategy was presented during the Masseria Winter Edition Forum, where Strisciuglio outlined the operator’s approach to capacity growth, technological development and increased competition within European passenger rail markets.

The planned acquisition of 74 Frecciarossa 1000 units forms the central element of the programme. The trains are expected to operate on domestic high-speed corridors as well as selected international routes.

The additional rolling stock is intended to support higher service frequency on busy lines and enable further cross-border operations. The fleet expansion is part of a longer-term plan for the Frecciarossa brand.

2026 will see the continuation of Trenitalia's fleet expansion plan, which has the Frecciarossa as its successful product and brand.

Alongside high-speed investment, the operator confirmed continued renewal of regional rolling stock, partly supported by funding from Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Trenitalia reported that more than 80 percent of its regional fleet now consists of newer-generation trains, representing over 1,000 vehicles out of roughly 1,300.

The company expects the average age of regional trains to fall to between five and ten years by 2027. In the Intercity segment, more than 30 new trains using hybrid, electric and battery technologies are scheduled for introduction, aimed at improving services on routes that are not fully electrified.

Trenitalia is also examining digital connectivity improvements. Trials of a dedicated 5G network have taken place on the Turin–Milan corridor, and the operator said it is assessing additional options, including satellite-based systems, to reduce coverage gaps and improve onboard internet access.

Strisciuglio said connectivity remains a priority area for passenger experience and that several technical solutions are under review.

The expansion of the Frecciarossa fleet is designed to increase available capacity and make greater use of existing rail infrastructure. The approach reflects rising demand for high-speed rail in Italy’s liberalised market and forms part of the wider strategy of the Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane group.

Trenitalia expects operational benefits to include improved energy efficiency, higher seat occupancy and reduced operating costs per seat-kilometre.

The operator framed the programme as part of efforts to strengthen rail’s role within national mobility and the transition towards lower-emission transport options.