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2mo ago

Flixtrain Escalates Deutsche Bahn Challenge With Low-Cost Push and New High‑Speed Fleet

Flix says production has begun on its Talgo trains, signaling an expansion that will test Germany’s costly, capacity‑strained rail network.

Flixtrain
Der Reiseanbieter Flix will mit seinen neuen Zügen die Preise der Deutschen Bahn unterbieten. "Wir werden immer günstiger bleiben als die Deutsche Bahn", sagte Flix-Chef André Schwämmlein der "Süddeutschen Zeitung".
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Overview

  • CEO André Schwämmlein vows Flix will remain significantly cheaper than Deutsche Bahn as the company scales long‑distance rail service.
  • Up to 65 high‑speed trains worth €2.4 billion are on order, with Talgo production starting and a phased market rollout planned.
  • The new trains will forgo first class and onboard restaurants, add snack vending, guarantee every passenger a seat, and charge for large baggage and premium seats.
  • Flix targets more routes and higher frequencies in Germany and across Europe, positioning a 65‑train fleet against DB’s roughly 400 long‑distance trains.
  • High track access charges, congested infrastructure and timetable allocation by DB InfraGo remain hurdles, with Flix alleging unequal treatment and the group still reporting a €66 million loss in 2023.