Italian infrastructure manager Rete Ferroviaria Italia (RFI), part of the FS Group, and SBB Infrastructure are stepping up cooperation in the areas of ETCS technology, network development, timetabling and management of operations. In signing two cooperation agreements, Philippe Gauderon, Head of SBB Infrastructure, and Michele Mario Elia, CEO of RFI, are building on an existing and successful partnership between the two infrastructure operators.

SBB and RFI will have to meet significant challenges affecting the Gotthard line. The opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel will mean an increase in the number of trains passing between Switzerland and Italy, both in terms of passenger and freight traffic. Customers are looking for journey times to be cut between Zurich/Lucerne and Milan. Furthermore railway operations are expected to be more stable and more punctual than at present.

SBB and RFI are thus forming joint working groups responsible for ensuring technical and operational interoperability, the requisite capacity and a high level of quality.

(Source: SBB)