Apparently, Italy loves trains. Signs of that adoration are the railway system's extensive network and the frequent use riders make of that network. Most places we have traveled in Italy have been reached by train. Each time, our train has been full or nearly full.
Another sign of Italy's love of trains is the naming of trains. Every train we have seen has a name--from regional trains to inter-city trains. If Italians didn't love their trains, would they give them names?
Below are some examples.
Meet a regional, double-decker train called VivAlto. The name is a combination of Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi and alto, or high, for the two decks.
Meet another regional train with a musical name, Jazz.
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| Greg wondered if a jazz quartet plays for the passengers. |
Now, let's meet the fastest train in Italy, appropriately named the FrecciaRossa, or Red Arrow. It travels up to a blistering 300 km/h, 190 mph. In fact, the train can travel faster than 400 km/h, or 250 mph, but it keeps to slower speeds since the tracks are not yet suited to higher speeds.
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| Two FreeciaRossa trains waiting to depart the underground station in Bologna. Even standing still, the FrecciaRossa looks very fast. |
The Italians love their trains so much that a miniature high speed train set is available for purchase.
If anyone wants a set, please let us know.
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