Direct connections from Zurich to Florence and Livorno from 2026
Published: Friday, Nov 8th 2024, 13:20
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SBB and Trenitalia will offer direct trains from Zurich to Florence and Livorno and vice versa from 2026. To mark the extension of their cooperation, the two railroad companies also presented a new Eurocity train that will run between the two countries.
An additional connection from Zurich to Milan and Venice will also be introduced from 2026, according to an SBB communiqué.
With the signing of a cooperation agreement at Milano Centrale station on Friday, the two companies extended their multi-year collaboration.
The partnership between the Italian state railroads and Swiss Federal Railways began in 2009 and has been a success, the press release continues. The two railroad companies have already transported 30 million passengers between Italy and Switzerland.
According to a press release, SBB ordered four new Giruno trains in February 2024 to expand the service. These will supplement the existing fleet of 29 trains already in operation, as well as the seven trains ordered in 2022.
With the signing of the "Cooperation Agreement", the two companies are extending their "proven partnership", according to Trenitalia CEO Luigi Corradi. He expects demand for cross-border connections from Italy to Switzerland to increase over the next few years.
In 2023, SBB and Trenitalia transported around 500,000 more international passengers between the two countries than in 2019, according to the report. In total, 2.4 million people traveled by train between Switzerland and Italy last year.
Seat covers made from recycled plastic
A new Eurocity brand and the modernization of Trenitalia trains were also presented at the signing ceremony. These are equipped with seat covers made of 100 percent recycled plastic and new services and have been given an "updated design".
In addition to the familiar green of the brand, colors from the flags of the two countries are now also used in the logo and numerous applications inside the vehicle, as the statement continues. The green is also symbolic of sustainability, as the railroad is the most environmentally friendly means of transportation for travel to Switzerland.
In Milano Centrale, Trenitalia presented the first fully refurbished ETR 610, which operates as a Eurocity train between Switzerland and Italy. From 2026, all vehicles in this fleet will feature the new design with seat covers made from recycled material, Wi-Fi and sockets for e-bikes.
©Keystone/SDA
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