The regional transport operator EAV has officially inaugurated commercial service for its new fleet of custom-designed Stadler electric multiple-units (EMUs) on the Circumvesuviana network. According to Railway Gazette, the first ETR300 unit commenced operations on July 28, servicing the route connecting Napoli, Volla, and Baiano. This deployment signifies the start of a comprehensive fleet modernization strategy overseen by EAV’s head of regional transport, Pietro Diamantini.

### Technical Specifications and Fleet Data

The new rolling stock, manufactured at Stadler’s Valencia facility, features a three-car aluminium body configuration. The units are built to navigate the 950 mm gauge of the Circumvesuviana lines, which span 142 km across the Napoli region and neighboring provinces.

| Feature | Specification | | :--- | :--- | | Vehicle Length | 40.9 m | | Continuous Power Rating | 1 080 kW | | Maximum Speed | 100 km/h | | Total Passenger Capacity | 377 | | Seated Capacity | 90 |

The procurement process began in May 2021 with an eight-year framework agreement for up to 40 units, supplemented by an additional framework for 60 units in July 2023. Currently, EAV has taken delivery of 12 units, with full integration expected by the end of 2026. Safety authorization for these units was granted by the regulatory body ANSFISA prior to the July 2026 service launch.

### Infrastructure and Logistics Updates

In addition to the EMU rollout, EAV has finalized a €24.4m contract with Bertolotti for the procurement of eight shunting locomotives. Although the agreement was originally signed in July 2025, it faced implementation delays due to legal challenges. EAV confirmed in July 2026 that the contract is now active, with the equipment intended for both the 950 mm gauge network and the operator’s standard gauge lines. The network currently facilitates the transport of approximately 26 million passengers annually across six distinct routes and 96 stations.

## Why It Matters

The transition to modern, standardized EMU rolling stock on legacy, non-standard gauge networks like the Circumvesuviana represents a critical operational pivot for regional rail. By retiring aging equipment in favor of high-capacity, uniform Stadler platforms, EAV is moving to mitigate the high maintenance costs associated with heterogenous, legacy fleets. This transition not only improves reliability for the 26 million annual passengers but also serves as a benchmark for European regional operators managing secondary, narrow-gauge transit systems that often suffer from under-investment and technical fragmentation.