Overview
- Italo has established a wholly owned German subsidiary and submitted an operating-license application in October, according to the reporting.
- The private operator is preparing a multi‑billion‑euro program with hourly or two‑hourly services and expects to create more than 1,000 direct jobs.
- Italo seeks 15‑year framework contracts for train paths to secure returns on new rolling stock, with decisions resting with the Bundesnetzagentur and political leaders.
- Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane and its unit Trenitalia are also assessing expansion into German long‑distance services, with executives describing the work as exploratory.
- Deutsche Bahn still holds about 95% of Germany’s long‑distance market, and prospective entrants cite high track charges and uncertain path allocation as key hurdles.