The informative system of high speed train ETR-500 for the Italian State Railways

The Italian high-speed system is expected to serve two main lines: Milan-Bologna-Florence-Rome-Naples-Battipaglia; and Turin-Venice. The trains to be assigned are ETR-500 with speed of 300 km/h and made-up of 2 electric locomotives and 10-18 cars. The author describes three systems which represent different aspects of a single on-board communication system that is quite powerful, flexible and expandable to the most sophisticated functions. In the future there will be the possibility of integrating the three systems into a single optical fiber line with a radio link for communication among vehicles. The overall system is capable of offering the most comfortable conditions for the passengers; a pressurized and air-conditioned atmosphere, HiFi and video programs, information display, telephone, telex, telefax, and communication with on-board personnel in case of emergency