The trains are needed to modernise regional services under service agreements signed recently with regional governments.

The order for the emus is split into two parts. Initially, 70 trains each with 280 seats will be sought, with an option for a further 20, while a second lot will comprise 20 sets, each seating 500 passengers, also with an option for an extra 20 trains.

The other contract will be for 40 dmus, each seating at least 130, with an option to supply a further 20 trains.

Trenitalia says companies offering high quality and short delivery times will be preferred, with price accounting for just 40% of the overall scoring. The deadline for submission of bids is June 15.