Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation hosted the world premiere of the Frecciarossa 1000 very high speed train at its Vado Ligure site in Italy. Built by Bombardier Transportation and its consortium partner AnsaldoBreda of Italy, the Frecciarossa 1000 is the newest member of the Bombardier Zefiro family of high-speed trains and is known as the V300ZEFIRO model. This first train unit will now begin homologation test runs on the rail line between Genoa and Savona, which is also connected to the Bombardier Vado Ligure site. Regular passenger service is expected for early 2015.
Following the presentation ceremony attended by more than 250 guests from Italy and other countries, the first group of passengers including Mauro Moretti, managing director, Trenitalia; Claudio Burlando, president of the Liguria Region; Lutz Bertling, president and chief operating officer, Bombardier Transportation; and Aldo Cingolani, CEO, Bertone Design, boarded the new train. Lutz Bertling was joined by Bombardier employees, Luigi Corradi, general site manager, Vado Ligure, Italy and Anders Lindberg, president, Rolling Stock Europe and Asia, Bombardier Transportation.
The V300ZEFIRO is the fastest train in Europe and is capable of reaching commercial speeds of up to 360 km/h. During test runs the train will reach speeds in excess of 400 km/h. Its advanced high acceleration enables the train to deliver excellent travel times, even on winding routes. It is fully interoperable and will provide cross-border services, taking passengers to other European countries without the need to change trains. It could also be adapted for use on networks in many other countries.
The train is an eight-car Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU) that can run in single operation and multiple operation of two units. It will have a total capacity of 485 across four classes, two additional tip-up seats for passengers with reduced mobility and a bistro.
Lutz Bertling, emphasised Bombardier's commitment to the high speed rail market. He said, "We are delighted to be here today to unveil this stunning new train, which is a game changer in the industry. I am confident the Frecciarossa 1000 will become a world reference in very high speed travelling. It is a train that opens a window to a future in which high speed is not just about travelling faster but cost effectively, more comfortably, safely and without frontiers. Finally, it is one of the most environmentally friendly transportation solutions."
