Italy Launches "Single-Driver Rule" Era for Freight Trains

As of Saturday, October 25, 2025, Italy is officially permitting freight trains to operate with a single driver.

The new regulation is being regarded as an "epochal shift" in the railway sector and is viewed as a significant step in aligning the country's railway operations with European standards.

This change has been welcomed by Fermerci, the Italian railway industry association. Fermerci stated that the measure represents "finally achieving compliance with European norms".

A Historic Alignment Step for the Sector

Until now, freight trains in Italy have typically been operated by two drivers.

The new regulation, enabled by advances in technological safety systems (such as ETCS, GSM-R, and remote monitoring systems), makes it possible to safely conduct single-driver operations.

In many European countries — particularly Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Spain — single driver operations (SDO) have long been in practice.

Therefore, Italy's decision is viewed as an alignment step that will enhance its competitive strength in terms of operational efficiency and cost optimization.

Expected Impact: Efficiency, Cost, and Competitiveness

According to Fermerci and other sector stakeholders, this reform will:

• Simplify personnel planning,

• Reduce operational costs,

• Make driving times and scheduling more flexible,

• Enhance the competitive strength of Italian train operators on international freight corridors (such as TEN-T networks).

However, some unions and safety experts argue that the measure could increase workload and that additional safety measures to mitigate human error risk will become mandatory.

A New Era in Line with European Standards

The new regulation also contributes to Italy's full compliance with standards established by European railway agencies (ERA).

This will enable Italian operators, particularly on Europe's north-south freight corridors (such as the Scandinavia–Mediterranean Corridor), to participate in a more integrated transport chain.

According to experts, this step is not merely a technical regulation but also a reflection of digitalization and automation trends in railway logistics.

Key Points:

• As of October 25, 2025, freight trains in Italy can be operated by a single driver.

• The decision was characterized by Fermerci as a "historic step in terms of compliance with European standards".

• The measure will provide efficiency and cost advantages, though rigorous implementation of safety protocols will be essential.

• Most European countries are already using the single-driver system.

• This change aims to strengthen international integration and competitiveness of Italian rail freight transport.

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News Link: https://www.railfreight.com/policy/2025/10/24/the-single-driver-rule-in-italy-is-an-epochal-shift/

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