Overview
- Italo has established a German subsidiary, filed an operating application in October, and signaled a multi‑billion‑euro rollout with hourly or two‑hourly services using roughly 30 to 40 high‑speed trains.
- The company’s plan includes creating more than 1,000 direct jobs, with additional indirect roles expected, according to reporting based on internal planning details.
- FS/Trenitalia is evaluating an entry into German high‑speed services, with scenarios of up to about 50 trains, building on its existing German footprint via Netinera and TX Logistik.
- Both prospective entrants are seeking long‑term framework agreements for track access—reportedly around 15 years—with terms to be set by the Bundesnetzagentur and political decision‑makers.
- Deutsche Bahn controls roughly 95% of long‑distance rail today, while advocates point to Italy’s experience with Italo–Trenitalia competition and warn that high track charges, uncertain path allocation, and aging infrastructure pose major hurdles in Germany.