In Matera by Metro with the new CTC

Launch of FAL’s surface metro system

This initiative is part of an agreement between FAL and the Basilicata Region to promote modern, efficient, and sustainable mobility, providing Matera with a true surface metro system, thanks in part to the technical work by GCF - Generale Costruzioni Ferroviarie.

At the October 24 press conference, the new metropolitan rail services of Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) were officially presented. Sixteen new pairs of trains – in addition to the 18 already in service – will guarantee 68 daily connections on the Matera - Venusio line, a section of the Bari-Matera line offering the City of Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a genuine surface metro.

"The aim is to relieve Matera of traffic congestion, improve environmental conditions, and most importantly, provide mobility services that such a beautiful and internationally renowned city deserves," explained Vittorio Zizza, President of FAL, to media outlets.

From 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., with an average frequency of 30 minutes, the 34 metropolitan trains will connect five stops across the 10-kilometer line: Matera Sud, Matera Centrale, Matera Villa Longo, Matera Serra Rinfusa, and Venusio. Traffic is managed by the CTC (Centralized Train Control) system, implemented by GCF - Generale Costruzioni Ferroviarie.
"In practice," explains Eng. Domenico Pastore, senior developer at the R&D Department of GCF, "the software that manages rail traffic on the Matera - Bari line has been updated with an additional module, specifically designed to extend its functionality. Thanks to this upgrade, the CTC is now capable of automatically recognizing and managing the metropolitan trains running on the track Venusio - Matera, ensuring safe efficiency and service versatility."

The work, which began in August, enabled Matera to start a metro service, enthusiastically received for its impact on local circulation, integrating rail into urban mobility and relieving congestion, and for its potential impact on national and international tourism in terms of accessibility and intermodality.

By the end of the year, as announced in the press conference, Matera will launch a bike-sharing service with discounts for FAL users.

In Basilicata, FAL has fully renewed its fleet, now one of the youngest in Italy, with an average age of 9 years; all trains are accessible to people with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users. All Matera stations, recently renovated, are also accessible, modern, and "green," equipped with turnstiles, user information monitors, free Wi-Fi, solar panels, and LED lighting.

"Today marks the beginning of a new phase towards more dynamic and sustainable mobility for the city of Matera," commented Matteo Colamussi, General Director of FAL, "and thanks to the Region and Municipality, a perfect example of mobility and sustainability: by 2026, Matera will be the only city in the world crossed exclusively by battery-powered trains. This will contribute to accelerating the decarbonization process in one of the most fascinating and interesting cities in the world."

update of 15 December: Press Release from FAL

FAL: Great Success for Special Metropolitan Services in Matera

The special metropolitan rail services launched by Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) in Matera on December 8, in collaboration with the Basilicata Region and the Municipality of Matera, have been a great success. These services were introduced in conjunction with Matera's Christmas events, particularly the Live Nativity in the Sassi. Over 3,500 people were transported during the first weekend.

As a result, and following discussions with the Vice President and Regional Councillor for Infrastructure and Transport, Pasquale Pepe, and the Prefectural Commissioner of the Municipality of Matera, Prefect Raffaele Ruberto, FAL has decided to increase the services.

"The first experience," said the FAL leadership, "has exceeded all expectations; everything worked perfectly. To meet the overwhelming demand from users, and in agreement with the Region and the Municipality of Matera, we deemed it appropriate to enhance the offer."

For Sundays, December 15, 22, 29, and January 5, an additional train pair has been scheduled. The first departure from Matera Serra Rifusa is at 9:34 AM, arriving at Matera Centrale at 9:43 AM and Matera Sud at 9:46 AM. In the opposite direction, the first departure from Matera Sud is at 9:00 AM, arriving at Matera Centrale at 9:02 AM and Matera Serra Rifusa at 9:09 AM.

For Saturdays, December 14, 21, 28, and January 4, an extra service has been scheduled, departing from Matera Serra Rifusa at 10:22 AM, arriving at Matera Centrale at 10:28 AM and Matera Sud at 10:31 AM.

Additionally, seating capacity on trains has been increased. At Serra Rifusa, more spaces for tourist buses have been added, as well as an increase in ground staff to assist passengers, both for buses and ticket distribution.

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