Trenitalia has started a programme to renovate its extensive fleet of piano ribassato cars with low-floor centre sections.
Used on local and short-distance regional services, the cars are being stripped and refitted with new interiors and vandal-resistant seating similar to that provided in the TAF double-deck EMUs (below left). The number of seats in each car has been reduced from 100 to 88 to provide more room for standing passengers and luggage.
Refurbished cars have public address equipment and improved inter-car doors. Full air-conditioning is being fitted with a roof-mounted pack (right)to ensure a comfortable environment during the summer, and flooring is being replaced to improve sound insulation and appearance.
Trenitalia has 1083 of these cars, of which 184 are driving trailers for use with E464 locomotives. These vehicles are being rebuilt with a new front end without a gangway, and a modernised control desk (far right). Facilities for wheelchair passengers are being provided, together with space for bicycles.
In common with many other passenger vehicles, the fleet is receiving an anti-graffiti coating and being turned out in the Trenitalia corporate livery. Trenitalia expects to refurbish 140 cars a year.
CAPTION: Photos:David Campione
