Overview
- German media report that private Italo and state‑owned FS/Trenitalia are preparing to enter Germany’s high‑speed long‑distance market.
- Italo has created a German subsidiary and applied in October to operate, with plans reported for 30–40 trains, hourly or bi‑hourly services, more than 1,000 direct jobs and a multi‑billion‑euro outlay.
- Italo is seeking roughly 15‑year framework contracts for track access to secure its investment, with terms to be set by the Bundesnetzagentur and policymakers.
- FS/Trenitalia is evaluating German long‑distance operations, reportedly considering around 50 trains, and already has a presence via Netinera in regional services and TX Logistik in freight.
- Analysts and passenger advocates expect any launch to take years due to high track charges, short‑term path allocation and strained infrastructure, while Deutsche Bahn still holds about 95% of the long‑distance market.