Germany is taking a significant step toward ending the long-standing dominance of Deutsche Bahn in the long-distance rail market. The Federal Network Agency, or Bundesnetzagentur, has proposed new rules that would require the state-owned operator to grant competitors greater access to its heavily used rail network. This move follows a formal complaint from the Italian private operator Italo, which intends to launch high-speed services in Germany starting in 2028. Under the proposed framework, Deutsche Bahn would be required to reserve between 25 and 40 percent of capacity on congested routes for other rail companies.
Currently, Deutsche Bahn operates approximately 95 percent of all long-distance services on the German network. While this infrastructure is managed by the DB subsidiary DB InfraGO, the Federal Network Agency oversees how access is granted. The agency’s goal is to provide enough predictability for new entrants to invest in expensive rolling stock and staff. Italo has already announced plans to invest roughly 3.6 billion euros, including an order for 30 new Siemens high-speed trains, to connect major German cities like Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, and Cologne.
Proponents of the change argue that increased competition could lead to lower ticket prices, better service quality, and more frequent connections for passengers. Similar market openings in other European countries have often resulted in improved customer choice and innovation. However, the transition is not without controversy. Deutsche Bahn has cautioned that forcing it to share its most profitable routes could undermine its ability to cross-finance services in less populated, rural areas. The proposal is now being reviewed by the Railway Infrastructure Advisory Board before a final decision is reached.