FS Italiane’s ERTMS Rollout: Rail Modernization in Italy

Introduction

FS Italiane Group is implementing the European Rail Transport Management System (ERTMS) across its fleet, with 382 Trenitalia trains already fitted. The project is supported by a EUR 70 million investment from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) – Transport programme.

ERTMS Installation on Rolling Stock

The system has been installed on 382 Trenitalia trains. Upgrades are underway on 60 locomotives from Mercitalia Rail, part of FS Logistix. The rollout will eventually cover 442 vehicles under this phase of the programme. The installation covers a broad spectrum of Trenitalia rolling stock.

Mercitalia Rail’s ERTMS Implementation

Mercitalia Rail is adapting its 60 locomotives, with plans to extend the programme to its entire fleet by 2033. New locomotives for Mercitalia Rail and TX Logistik are already being delivered with ERTMS pre-installed. Some shunting locomotives operated by Mercitalia Shunting & Terminal will also be equipped.

FS Italiane Group’s ERTMS Program

For Trenitalia, the full installation programme is more extensive. It is expected to total around 2,000 onboard systems with an investment of EUR 700 million by 2030. Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, CEO and General Director of FS Group, emphasized the central role of the programme. The initiative is aligned with the objectives of the FS Group Strategic Plan 2025–2029, which targets 100% of the Core Extended network equipped with ERTMS by 2040.

Benefits and Broader Strategy

The move will make the FS fleet fully interoperable and compliant with European standards, allowing trains to operate seamlessly on high-speed lines across the continent and improving connectivity with key international destinations. ERTMS is the most advanced signalling system currently available worldwide, chosen by the European Union as the single standard for train supervision and control. Its adoption by FS Group is part of a broader modernisation strategy aimed at building a more efficient and sustainable rail system. Alongside onboard systems, FS Group is also modernising its infrastructure. Through Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), the network operator within the group, ERTMS has already been installed on an additional 1,400 km of track with the support of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

Conclusion

FS Italiane Group is investing in ERTMS across its fleet, with significant progress made on Trenitalia trains and Mercitalia Rail locomotives. The project is supported by EU funding and aligns with the FS Group’s strategic objectives for network modernization and interoperability.

Company Summary

FS Italiane Group: Is implementing the European Rail Transport Management System (ERTMS) across its fleet.

Trenitalia: Has 382 trains fitted with the ERTMS system.

Mercitalia Rail: Part of FS Logistix, is upgrading its locomotives with the ERTMS system.

TX Logistik: New locomotives are being delivered with ERTMS pre-installed.

Mercitalia Shunting & Terminal: Some shunting locomotives will be equipped with ERTMS.

FS Logistix: Part of FS Italiane Group.

Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI): The network operator within the FS Group, is also modernising its infrastructure with ERTMS.

Technology

ERTMS: European Rail Transport Management System, is the most advanced signalling system chosen by the European Union as the single standard for train supervision and control.