Italo demands fairer rail access before Germany expansion deadline
Italian high-speed rail operator Italo is pushing for major changes in Germany’s rail network rules. The company wants fairer access to tracks and station facilities as it prepares to expand into the German market. Its CEO has set a tight deadline for government action. Italo recently announced plans to grow its services in Germany. But before launching, it needs clearer rules on how rail capacity is allocated. CEO Luca Cordero di Montezemolo has demanded that the government provide a transparent system by the end of May.
The company insists on a stable timetable with regular slots, rather than just leftover capacity. It also wants a guaranteed minimum share of tracks reserved for new operators. Without these changes, Italo warns that its expansion could face delays.
A public hearing on the issue is currently underway at the Federal Network Agency. Representatives from Italo, Deutsche Bahn, and Flixtrain are all involved in the discussions. The urgency comes partly from Italo’s production constraints at Siemens, where it has ordered new trains.
Italo must finalise its contract with Siemens by June to keep its expansion on schedule. The company is also calling for long-term agreements on rail capacity, ensuring fair access for all operators in the future. If the German government meets Italo’s demands, the company could soon launch new high-speed services in the country. The outcome of the public hearing will determine whether track allocation rules are reformed. Italo’s expansion hinges on securing both trains and fair access to the rail network.
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