The innovative Swiss-built FLIRT (Fast Light Innovative Regional Train) begins service on Tuesday between Foggia and Lucera, know among travelers and historians for its remains of an ancient Roman settlement. It marks the return of railroad service between the two cities after a 42-year gap. The air conditioned train can reach speeds of nearly 100 miles per hour. No fares have been posted as yet. It’s a welcome addition to Puglia’s transportation infrastructure.

According to the train’s Switzerland-based manufacturer, Stadler Rail Group, “The modern, comfortable FLIRT train is a four-part electric railcar with a friendly design, with 212 seats and 284 places for standing passengers. It has been designed to provide accessibility to all carriages without steps, and passenger compartments designed without barriers. They are equipped with a large number of doors – eight on each side – which allows for rapid passenger exchange. Special steps, which fold under the floor of the wagons, make it easier for passengers to embark from low-level platforms. The cars have well-equipped passenger compartments and wide entering platforms. There is a generous multipurpose area in the middle carriage for prams, bicycles and larger items of luggage. There are also places for wheelchairs, folding chairs and also a toilet especially adapted for the needs of the physically handicapped. There is also special wheelchair access via the signed doors in the middle carriage, which are equipped with a descending platform and access ramps, depending on the height of the platform in a particular station.”