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.

Cycnus
Overview
Service typeTrans Europ Express (TEE)
(1973–1978)
InterCity (IC)
(1978– )
LocaleItaly
First service30 September 1973 (1973-09-30)
Current operator(s)Ferrovie dello Stato (FS)
Route
TerminiMilano C
Ventimiglia /
Genoa Principe
Service frequencyDaily
Line(s) usedMilan–Genoa
Genoa–Ventimiglia
On-board services
Class(es)First class-only (TEE)
First and second class (IC)
Technical
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in)
Electrification3000 V DC

History

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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.

See also

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References

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Works cited

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  • 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.