by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interview: FVG councilor for infrastructure and territory
Friuli Venezia Giulia’s historic train program closed its 2025 season with stronger-than-expected results, regional officials announced Monday in Trieste. The initiative, which combines sustainable mobility with cultural and tourist promotion, continues to grow in popularity across the region.
Between April 6 and December 8, the vintage convoys carried 13,384 passengers, with an average occupancy rate of 77 percent and 21 sold-out departures. Ridership increased by 20 percent compared with 2024, according to Cristina Amirante, the regional councillor for Infrastructure and Territory. Of 40 scheduled trains, 39 ran as planned, with one canceled due to a national rail strike.
Speaking at a press conference alongside TPL FVG president Maurizio Marzi Wildauer, Amirante said the 2026 program will build on the momentum of this year’s strong performance. Plans include strengthening the existing routes while developing new connections linked to Pordenone’s designation as Italian Capital of Culture 2027.
Next year’s programming will also highlight the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Friuli earthquake, with two special trains involving Gemona and the Alpini association. Meanwhile, work continues on the redevelopment of Trieste’s historic Campo Marzio rail station, set to become one of Italy’s major railway museum centers.
A key feature of the 2025 season was the connection to GO!2025 — Nova Gorica and Gorizia’s European Capital of Culture program — which engaged communities across the region. Ten trains were dedicated to cross-border cultural events, emphasizing the shared history of the border area. The season opened on February 8 with the appearance of the restored ETR 252 “Arlecchino,” a celebrated 1960s train provided by Fondazione FS.
Amirante thanked TPL FVG for ensuring connections to destinations not directly served by rail, and acknowledged the contributions of Treni Turistici Italiani, Fondazione FS and PromoTurismoFVG — the latter responsible for promotion and on-board support. She also noted the significant involvement of volunteers from local municipalities and the Trieste Campo Marzio community.
The region is finalizing the 2026 schedule, expected to launch in April and be officially presented in February. So far, 33 of the 44 municipalities that participated in 2025 have submitted proposals, amounting to 53 trains — 37 returning routes and 16 new ones. By year’s end, the list will be forwarded to Treni Turistici Italiani for feasibility review.
For 2026, Friuli Venezia Giulia has allocated €530,000 to the program, including €450,000 for historic train services and €80,000 for promotional activities coordinated by PromoTurismoFVG. Partnerships will once again extend to Trenitalia, Ferrovie Udine Cividale and the TPL FVG consortium operators.
Launched in 2018, the historic train initiative “continues to grow because it connects communities, associations, institutions and transport operators,” Amirante said. She described it as a form of experiential tourism that highlights the region’s history while encouraging sustainable mobility. “We are committed to continuing this investment in 2026, confident in its cultural, tourist and social value,” she added.
