Cycnus (train)
The Cycnus was an express train operated by Ferrovie dello Stato, linking Milan with Ventimiglia, Italy. Cycnus literally means swan,[1] but more likely the name refers to the mythological King of Liguria, the region the train served.
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Trans Europ Express (TEE) (1973–1978) InterCity (IC) (1978– ) |
| Locale | Italy |
| First service | 30 September 1973 |
| Current operator(s) | Ferrovie dello Stato (FS) |
| Route | |
| Start | Milano C |
| End | Ventimiglia / Genoa Principe |
| Service frequency | Daily |
| Line(s) used | Milan–Genoa Genoa–Ventimiglia |
| On-board services | |
| Class(es) | First class-only (TEE) First and second class (IC) |
| Technical | |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
| Electrification | 3000 V DC |
History
The Cycnus was introduced on 30 September 1973 in order to improve the first class-only Trans Europ Express (TEE) service along the Ligurian coast. The schedule was designed as a "mirror" of the TEE Ligure, resulting in a very early departure from the French-Italian border in Ventimiglia and returning from Milan just after midnight.[2] While the Ligure had constant loading figures, the Cycnus ran almost empty at the beginning of the week, but had to be extended to 11 coaches on Fridays.[3]
Over time, passenger numbers on the Cycnus dropped and the extra coaches were scrapped from the winter of 1975/76. Eventually it the continued running a first class-only train appeared to be too much of a financial burden, and the Cycnus was converted to a two class InterCity service on 29 May 1978.
On 14 December 2003 the route was shortened to the Milan - Genoa portion.
References
- La Légende des TEE p. 342.
- La Légende des TEE p. 343.
- Das grosse TEE Buch p. 119
Works cited
- Hajt, Jörg (2001). Das grosse TEE Buch (in German). Bonn/Königswinter: Heel Verlag. ISBN 3-89365-948-X.
- Mertens, Maurice; Malaspina, Jean-Pierre (2007). La Légende des Trans Europ Express (in French). Vannes: LR Presse. ISBN 978-29-036514-5-9.
