Frecciarossa Trains of Trenitalia, as the flagship company of the FS Group‘s Passenger Division, is actively pursuing initiatives to enhance sustainability in transportation and promote sustainable development in the mobility sector. A recent survey conducted by SWG on behalf of Trenitalia indicates that 8 out of 10 Italians consider trains to be the most environmentally friendly mode of transport. This perception is supported by the data, with 45 million people opting for Frecciarossa trains in 2023 over air or road travel.
The shift from air travel to trains, particularly on the Milan-Rome route, results in a substantial reduction of approximately 9 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. Similarly, choosing trains over cars leads to a CO2 saving of about 4 tonnes annually. Moreover, a Bloomberg analysis, as processed by McKinsey, highlights that the 47,000 companies opting for Trenitalia for business travel helped prevent emissions of around 100,000 tonnes of CO2 in 2023.
In addition to investing over one billion euros to acquire 40 new Frecciarossa trains, Trenitalia is actively engaged in projects aimed at reducing its carbon footprint through initiatives to enhance energy efficiency. Presently, the company has 10 maintenance facilities equipped with photovoltaic technology, a number that is set to increase to 24 by 2032. In an interview, Pietro Diamantini, Director of the Trenitalia High-Speed business, provides insights into the future projects planned by the Group and its various business units.
Pietro Diamantini, the Director of Trenitalia High Speed Business, highlighted the company’s strong commitment to sustainability. He noted that Trenitalia has invested in 40 new ETR1000 trains, which offer significantly higher efficiency compared to their predecessors. This translates to lower energy consumption for the same level of service, speed, and comfort, with the potential for even better service quality.
In addition to focusing on train travel, Trenitalia has also implemented sustainable practices in its maintenance facilities. Solar panels have been installed to power these facilities, reducing energy costs. Furthermore, the trains are highly recyclable, making the disposal process less burdensome and more environmentally friendly.
Diamantini emphasized the company’s broader vision for sustainability, aiming to ensure its “green positioning.” For instance, all automobiles used in high-speed maintenance facilities are electric, eliminating the use of combustion engine cars. These initiatives collectively contribute to significant environmental benefits.
Moreover, Trenitalia is embracing digitalization to enhance its services. Preventive maintenance, enabled by digital tools and artificial intelligence, reduces the likelihood of on-board malfunctions, ensuring a smoother journey for passengers. The company is also improving on-board communication through advanced digitalization, further enhancing the passenger experience.
