Spain’s national rail operator, Renfe, is set to enter the Italian market after acquiring a 33% stake in Longitude Holdings, the parent company of the Turin-based private rail operator Arenaways.
Rumours of Renfe’s interest in Arenaways in October proved correct. Renfe’s international business division, Renfe Proyectos Internacionales, joined forces with Spanish investment firm Serena Industrial Partners, which also holds a 33% share, to restructure the company. Arenaways is now gearing up to begin operations imminently, according to a statement from Renfe.
New Routes in Piedmont
The company plans to launch two regional routes in Italy’s Piedmont region. Services connecting Cuneo, Saluzzo, and Savigliano will begin in January, while another route between Ceva and Ormea will start once infrastructure upgrades by the Italian Railway Network are completed. Renfe has not yet announced a launch date for the latter. Combined, the two routes represent a €54 million investment.
Longitude has ambitious plans to expand its operations to other public and commercial routes across Italy. It has received authorisation from the Italian Transport Regulatory Authority to introduce long-distance services under an open-access system. Planned routes include connections spanning the country’s northwest-northeast corridor and north-central-south axis.
Industry Perspectives
Longitude CEO Matteo Arena expressed optimism about the company’s future, stating, “The experience, international know-how, and strength of the companies behind Arenaways will help us achieve our goals while improving the quality of our products and services.”
Arena also emphasised the benefits of competition, noting, “Competition offers huge benefits for users and the entire community, providing more choice, better services, and diversity.”
Renfe Chairman Raül Blanco highlighted the strategic value of the move, saying, “This operation brings us new European partners and expands our presence into a market with recognised prestige in the railway sector.”
A Growing Competitive Landscape
Renfe’s expansion into Italy follows its recent launch of cross-border services into France and aligns with French rail operator SNCF’s plans to offer high-speed TGV services in Italy. These developments increase competition for local operators, including state-owned Trenitalia and private rail company Italo.
The entry of international players signals a new era for Italy’s railway sector, offering passengers more options and potentially raising service standards across the board.
