As of tomorrow, Saturday 25 October 2025, freight trains in Italy will be allowed to operate with a single driver. The initiative marks a significant step forward for the sector, which “is finally aligning with European standards,” according to industry association Fermerci, as reported by RailFreight.com.
“We have to give credit to the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure Manager RFI, the Safety Authority ANSFISA and all the parties involved in taking this decision”, Fermerci General Manager Giuseppe Rizzi highlighted. The initiative will guarantee more flexibility to rail operators, especially during this time of numerous temporary capacity restrictions, due to infrastructure works, which make train journeys longer and thus increase personnel costs.
No job loss expected
The new measure should therefore bring some relief on this front. Moreover, it should not have a negative impact on employment. “We don’t expect any layoffs related to this measure”, Rizzi specified. “Investing in training a locomotive driver is a significant effort, hence companies so companies usually prefer to keep them.”
Moreover, the rail freight industry is currently facing a shortage of train drivers, in Italy as well as in many other European countries. Consequently, the new rule is not expected to have drastic effects on employment. One possible consequence of the measure could be the re-negotiation of collective labour agreements.
Implementation might take some time
Although the rule takes effect tomorrow, large-scale implementation is likely to happen gradually. “Companies will need a transition period to adapt”, Rizzi added, explaining that such a measure cannot be implemented instantly. Moreover, also the regulatory framework of the sector might have to be revised and adapted to align with the new single driver regulation.
The second person in the locomotive was there to ensure continuity of transport in case the driver experienced a medical emergency. Now, this continuity can be ensured by technological developments such as the Automatic Train Control (SCMT in Italian) and ERTMS. Therefore, the new rule does not pose any additional safety risks. “The rail freight sector is characterised by an overdesigned regulatory framework that guarantees safety,” Rizzi concluded.