MELBOURNE-based International Rail is selling the new four classes of travel which are now available on Italy’s Trenitalia services.

International Rail chief executive Jonathan Hume said that the new system provided travellers with a clear choice for comfortable, speedy travel by rail rather than air.

These pioneering innovations are leading the way for rail travel in Europe with the top-of-the-range executive class offering access to Freecia club lounges, private meeting room, a quiet area, open bar and gourmet meals by renowned Italian chef  Vissoni, free papers and magazines, great comfort in fewer seats and maximum ticket flexibility.

The four class system will be introduced service-wide but is now available on schedules between Rome, Milan and Naples.

The three other classes business, premium and standard are all offering improved facility with greater space for passengers and luggage.

Carriages on the new services will provide eight executive seats, 52 single and double business seats, 62 premium and 68 standard.

Typical of the fares are AUD270 to travel executive from Rome to Milan and AUD155 for business, AUD135 for premium and AUD115 for standard.

Mr Hume said that rail travel in Italy will offer a strong alternative to business air travel with top managers able to travel in comfort by rail.

The new system follows the results of a recent poll of global travellers showing 79 per cent of them would choose train over plane for travel in Europe where high speed rail options existed.

He added, "The recent London survey showed that 61% of respondents choosing rail over air if the cost was the same or better and 90% asking for rail options to be displayed alongside air when searching for travel.

"The results revealed that travellers are considering total travel time – getting from door to door –and the full travel experience when choosing mode of transport, with 86% of people choosing rail to avoid the process of checking in, security and boarding and 66% willing to add an hour or more of total travel to their trips to avoid the hassles of long lines, airport security and baggage fees."