[passenger] TTI’s takeover: The end of Trenitalia’s pilgrim/charter design?

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In Italy there is a livery so little known that many have never even noticed it. Originally conceived for charter trains, it ultimately found its primary use in a very specific service: transporting pilgrims.

E.403.017 + E.403.008 in hauling a pilgrim train in Roma Ostiense on 20.04.2023 © Lorenzo Pallotta

A history of pilgrim trains

Ferrovie dello Stato has long been responsible for organizing pilgrim trains, primarily to sanctuaries such as Lourdes, in collaboration with UNITALSI (Unione Nazionale Italiana Trasporto Ammalati a Lourdes e Santuari Internazionali – Italian National Union for Transport of the Sick to Lourdes and International Sanctuaries).

In the 1980s, these trains consisted mainly of UIC-X couchette coaches in the classic Liver Red and Beige Grey livery. Accompanying them were baggage cars in matching colors and specially adapted stretcher coaches for transporting the sick. These particular coaches were easily recognizable by their light grey base with three shades of blue bands. Traction was typically provided by E.656, E.444 or E.444R locomotives, which were swapped for SNCF locomotives at Ventimiglia for the French leg of the journey.

Ferrovie dello Stato stretcher coach in Milano Porta Romana in 07.1998 © Rinaldo Portalupi

With the introduction of the XMPR livery, a uniform color scheme was applied across all three car types. However, unlike in the past, Trenitalia created a small fleet dedicated exclusively to pilgrim trains, serving both Lourdes and domestic destinations such as the Sanctuary of Loreto.

Trenitalia stretcher coach 61 83 89-70 007-0 BH in Roma Ostiense on 05.10.2015 © Lorenzo Pallotta
Trenitalia couchette coach 61 83 50-70 666-8 Bc in XMPR livery in Roma Ostiense on 04.12.2012. Probably not the best number for a coach to Lourdes. © Lorenzo Pallotta
Trenitalia baggage coach 51 83 95-90 207-0 nD in XMPR livery in Roma Ostiense on 27.08.2009 © Lorenzo Pallotta

The “Charter” livery and its fate

In 2019, Trenitalia introduced a specific livery for this fleet, intended for broader use beyond pilgrim services. In reality, however, these coaches were used almost exclusively for pilgrim trains. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp decline in operations, but by 2022, the service had gradually resumed.

Trenitalia stretcher coach 61 83 89-70 008-8 in Charter livery in Roma Ostiense on 20.04.2023 © Lorenzo Pallotta
Trenitalia couchette coach 61 83 50-70 749-2 in Charter livery in Roma Ostiense on 20.04.2023 © Lorenzo Pallotta
Trenitalia baggage coach 51 83 95-90 111-0 in Charter livery in Roma Ostiense on 20.04.2023 © Lorenzo Pallotta

The transition to Treni Turistici Italiani

Until 2024, Trenitalia provided traction for pilgrim trains, using E.402B, E.403, and later E.464 locomotives. However, from that year onward, management was partially transferred to the Fondazione FS Italiane, followed by Treni Turistici Italiani (TTI)—the FS Group’s newly established division specializing in tourist trains.

The transition became evident on 22.02.2025, when the first pilgrim train of the year, from Pesaro to Roma, was entirely composed of TTI couchette coaches and hauled by two E.402B locomotives from the same company. Shortly after, three coaches from the “Charter” fleet were repainted in TTI’s livery, marking probably the beginning of the end for the “Charter” color scheme.

E.402B.128 pushing TTI pilgrim train from Pesaro to Roma San Pietro on 22.02.2025 © Alessio train Rome

At this rate, it seems increasingly likely that the entire Charter fleet will be integrated into TTI, adopting its livery. While couchette and baggage cars have already been seen, the real question remains: will the stretcher coaches follow?

Similarly, TTI locomotives are expected to continue handling traction, especially following a recent agreement between TTI and UNITALSI for the operation of Lourdes-bound trains.

Trenitalia stretcher coach © Archivio UNITALSI

How the UNITALSI trains operate

Pilgrim trains to Lourdes typically depart from an Italian city with a local UNITALSI section, making additional stops along the way before reaching the border at Ventimiglia. From there, trains are handed over to SNCF, which operates them through France to Lourdes.

The return journey follows the same pattern, but with one unusual logistical detail. The train usually includes two baggage coaches, one of which is designated for waste storage during the trip. Upon arrival in Ventimiglia, this baggage car is uncoupled and sent to Milan, along with the locomotives that hauled the train, to be emptied. A few days later, the same locomotives and baggage car return to Ventimiglia to be re-attached to the homebound train.

E.402B.105 hauling a pilgrim train in Monterotondo on 04.07.2023 © Lorenzo Pallotta

2025: a special year for pilgrim trains

The Jubilee of 2025 is expected to bring an increase in pilgrim trains to Roma, adding extra demand to the service. Meanwhile, UNITALSI trains to Lourdes will continue to operate on their well-established schedule:

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