(ANSA) - BELGRADE, APR 24 - The new direct train service between Villa Opicina, Italy, and Rijeka, Croatia, via Slovenia, which was coordinated by the Executive Secretariat of the Central European Initiative (CEI) and implemented as part of the Interreg Central Europe 'Sustance' project, took its first run today. The project aims to improve the connection of rural, peripheral, and cross-border areas with urban areas in Central Europe. The train, a Stadler of the Slovenian Railways, traveled partly on the historic Southern Railway between Vienna and Trieste, completed in 1857, and partly on the Pivka-Fiume, also built during the Habsburg era and opened to traffic in 1873. Passengers can enjoy a modern train equipped with WiFi, bike racks, and space for strollers operated by the staff of the Slovenian and Croatian railway companies on their respective national networks. "A tangible example of cooperation to promote the integration of new cross-border transport links," explained Daria Kocjan, Director of the Passenger Division of Slovenian Railways. After an experimental phase, until the end of September, the project "could consolidate and turn into a stable and continuous service," CEI Secretary General Roberto Antonione underlined at the service's opening ceremony. On yesterday's first trip, mayors from the various municipalities encountered on the route boarded the train while guests were entertained with music, dancing, and local products. Upon the train's timely arrival in Rijeka, Mayor Marko Filipovic and several regional authorities welcomed the passengers. (ANSA).