The first two trains are now being used on services from Bari to Barletta and the Karol Wojtyla airport rail link, which opened in 2013.

The remaining three trains are due to be delivered to Ferrotramviaria later this year.

The 160km/h four-car ETR 452s accommodate up to 448 passengers, 243 of them seated, with dedicated spaces for bicycles and wheelchairs.

The trains are currently only approved for operation on the suburban lines north of Bari but the fleet will also be certified for operation on the national network in the near future.