Project Profile: Trenitalia’s Blues Train (Masaccio Platform)

The Blues train project is a large-scale fleet modernization initiative by Trenitalia to enhance Italy’s regional rail network. It involves the deployment of a cutting-edge tri-mode (diesel-electric-battery) hybrid rolling stock, designed by Hitachi Rail to operate seamlessly across both electrified and non-electrified lines, driving sustainability and operational efficiency.

Project Fact Sheet

Technical Specifications

The Blues train is based on Hitachi’s Masaccio platform, engineered as a tri-mode hybrid unit capable of drawing power from overhead electric lines, two Stage V compliant low-emission diesel engines, and onboard batteries. This configuration provides exceptional operational flexibility, allowing the train to travel on electrified mainlines and transition smoothly to non-electrified regional or branch lines without requiring a locomotive change. The battery system enables zero-emission, silent arrivals and departures at stations, significantly reducing noise pollution and fuel consumption during idling and low-speed maneuvers. The rolling stock achieves a maximum speed of 160 km/h with an acceleration of 1.1 m/s², optimizing performance on regional routes.

Offered in three-car (66.88 m) and four-car (86.08 m) configurations, the trains accommodate 224 and 306 passengers, respectively. The interior design emphasizes passenger comfort and accessibility, featuring large panoramic windows, dedicated areas for bicycles and oversized luggage, and full compliance with Technical Specifications for Interoperability for Persons with Reduced Mobility (TSI-PMR). The train is equipped with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), the EU standard for train control and command systems, which enhances safety, interoperability, and traffic efficiency across the network. Constructed with 93% recyclable materials, the Blues train also features a smart HVAC system that modulates energy use based on passenger load, further cementing its environmental credentials.

Key Takeaways

• Infrastructure Versatility: The tri-mode hybrid system allows seamless operation across both electrified mainlines and non-electrified regional lines, eliminating the need for locomotive changes and reducing journey times.
• Environmental Performance: The Blues train achieves an estimated 50% reduction in carbon emissions and fuel consumption compared to legacy diesel fleets, leveraging battery power for last-mile, zero-emission station arrivals and departures.
• Modernization & Accessibility: This fleet represents a major upgrade in passenger experience, with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and power sockets, and full compliance with European accessibility standards (TSI-PMR), significantly improving travel for all passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Blues trains be fully operational?

The Blues trains are being deployed in phases across multiple Italian regions. The rollout began in Tuscany, Sicily, Sardinia, and other designated areas and is expected to continue through 2026 as more units are delivered by Hitachi Rail to complete Trenitalia’s order of up to 135 trainsets.

Who is building the Blues train?

The Blues train is manufactured by Hitachi Rail at its facilities in Pistoia and Naples, Italy. The project is part of a major framework agreement between Hitachi Rail and Trenitalia, Italy’s primary national rail operator, to modernize the country’s regional passenger fleet.