The Italian Ministry of Transport has approved a new regulation permitting freight trains to operate with a single driver, ending the long-standing requirement for two-person locomotive crews. The rule will enter into force on 25 October 2025, aligning Italy with most other European Union countries where solo freight train operation is already standard practice.
Until now, Italian safety regulations required two people in the locomotive to guarantee operational continuity in case of medical emergencies. The second driver’s primary role was to take control if the first driver became incapacitated, such as during a sudden health emergency, and to bring the train safely to a stop in a suitable location for assistance.
However, advances in automated safety systems, signalling technology, and braking mechanisms have greatly reduced the need for a second operator. These systems can automatically halt a train in the event of driver incapacitation or technical failure, ensuring both safety and compliance with EU-wide operational standards.
The reform, approved following consultation with the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), is contingent on maintaining rapid response times in emergencies. ERA has confirmed that single-driver operations meet European safety criteria when supported by modern train control systems and reliable communication infrastructure.
With this change, Italy joins the growing list of EU countries that have streamlined rail operations to improve efficiency and competitiveness in the freight sector, while maintaining high safety standards through advanced onboard technology.
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