ITALY: Rail safety regulator ANSFISA has authorised the first Stadler-built SRBe 312 battery-electric trainset to enter service on Ferrovie Appulo Lucane’s isolated 950 mm gauge network. Initially the train will be used primarily on the 27.4 km Altamura – Matera line. The authorisation marks a milestone in Italy, as the SRBe 312 is claimed by the project partners to be the country’s first battery-powered narrow-gauge train. The operator estimates that the fleet will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1 300 tonnes per annum. Each two-car trainset is 36.5 m long and 2 500 mm wide, with capacity for 164 passengers, including 87 seated.