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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 type	Trans Europ Express (TEE) (1973–1978) InterCity (IC) (1978– )
Locale	Italy
First service	30 September 1973 (1973-09-30)
Current operator(s)	Ferrovie dello Stato (FS)
Route
Termini	Milano C 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.

See also

• History of rail transport in Italy
• List of named passenger trains of Europe

References

Works cited

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