ITALIAN open-access high-speed operator NTV says it is likely to lay off up to 248 staff – a quarter of its workforce – as part of a major restructuring plan for the company, which was presented to trade unions on October 30.

OPEN-ACCESS long-distance operator Thello announced on October 30 that tickets have gone on sale for its new Marseilles – Milan service, which is due to begin operating next month.

FINMECCANICA CEO Mr Mauro Moretti confirmed to a hearing of the industry committee of the Italian Senate on October 14 that the company has shortlisted CNR and Hitachi for the acquisition of its rail assets.

ALSTOM's new Italian fleet monitoring centre at Sesto San Giovanni in Milan was officially opened on September 30 by Lombardy regional councillor for infrastructure and transport Mr Alberto Cavalli and Alstom Ferroviaria CEO Mr Louis Bertina.

THE steering committee of Italian open-access high-speed operator NTV voted on September 24 to restructure its debts, with shareholders expected to contribute capital, while the company has also decided to withdraw Italo services to the Adriatic Coast from the start of the 2015 timetable on December 15.

SWITZERLAND's Federal Transport Office (BAV) announced on September 18 that it has concluded negotiations with Italian infrastructure manager Italian Railway Network (RFI) on the financing, planning, and implementation of gauge enhancement works the Luino Ranzo – Gallarate/Novara line in northern Italy.

OPTIONS for improving high-speed rail links to Italy's most important airports will be examined in more detail following the signing of an agreement between Italian State Railways (FS) and the Italian Ministry of Transport on August 26.

LOCOMOTIVE leasing company Akiem has signed a contract worth €33m with Bombardier for the delivery of 10 140km/h Traxx DC locomotives, with an option for up to 10 additional units placing the value of the contract at approximately €65m.

THE steering committee of NTV approved the company's 2013 financial results at the end of July, showing the Italian open-access high-speed operator made a loss of €77m during its first full year of operation.

SWISS Federal Railways (SBB) will spend around SFr 1.5bn ($US 1.66bn) on revamping stations, modernising infrastructure and acquiring new rolling stock for Ticino, Switzerland's southernmost canton by 2020.