These multiple units were developed in the 1970s for local transport as the successor to the ALe 803. To save costs, the same body was used, the electrical system was modernized and the number of doors was reduced. While the predecessor consisted of a power car, a trailer and a control car, the successor consisted of two power cars at the ends and two trailers in the middle. Up to three sets can be coupled together. While the ALe 940 motor car only has a passenger compartment, the ALe 801 on the other end also has a luggage compartment. The Trasporto Ferroviario Toscano now uses them with five cars as a reserve. 