Adriatico (train)
Class E444 with Gran conforto coaches in Bari
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| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type |
Trans Europ Express (TEE) (1973–1987) InterCity(IC) (1987–2005) |
| Locale | Italy |
| First service | 3 June 1973 |
| Current operator(s) | Ferrovie dello Stato |
| Technical | |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
| Electrification | 3000 V DC (Italy) |
The Adriatico was an express train operated by Ferrovie dello Stato, linking Milan and Bari. Adriatico is the Italian name for the Adriatic Sea which shore between Rimini and Bari was served by the train.
In 1969 the Ferrovie dello Stato decided to replace their TEE diesel multiple units by locomotive hauled trains after the German and French examples. Because domestic TEE were allowed since 1965 the order for the Gran Conforto coaches was enlarged, not only to replace the existing international TEEs but also to convert the high-end domestic services to TEE. After delivery of the international coaches in 1972, two consists of 8 and 9 coaches each, were available in the spring of 1973 and on 3 June 1973 the Adriatico became the first Italian domestic TEE. Initially the service took 8 h 35 min from Milan to Bari, thus reaching an average speed of 101 km/h.
The service slowed down year after year and in 1982 it took 9h 25min from Milan to Bari. In 1984 the rolling stock from the discontinued TEE Mediolanum was recommisioned to the Adriatico that was operated in TEE colours since.
On 31 May 1987 the Adriatico was converted in a two-class InterCity. On 10 June 2001 the northern terminus changed from Milan to Venice and from 11 December 2005 the southern terminus moved 149 km farther south to Lecce
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Wikipedia