Trenitalia, the Italian national railways' passenger-transport company, has ordered a further 100 CORADIA 'Minuetto' trains (49 electric trains and 51 diesel trains) from Alstom for a total amount of about E315 million.

The order falls within the framework of a multiyear investment program by Trenitalia that foresees the acquisition of 200 trains from Alstom'ss CORADIA family. In 2001 34 trains were ordered within this framework, followed in 2002 by a further three trains.
Including the current contract, the total number of CORADIA Minuetto trains ordered is 137 (70 electric and 67 diesel), with a total value of approximately E430 million.
Named Minuetto by the customer in May 2002, these articulated, three-car trainsets will have partial low floors, allowing easy access for mobility-impaired passengers. The trains can carry up to 345 passengers.
The electric trains will operate at a maximum speed of 160kmh, and the diesel trains at 130kmh.
The car interiors will be air-conditioned and feature a multifunctional storage area for the transport of bicycles, skis and luggage.
Each car will be equipped with a video control system, a passenger information system and power-supply sockets for passengers' portable computers, entertainment devices, mobile phones or other personal appliances. m