Flix Mobility, a prominent German transport company, is poised to significantly challenge the dominance of Deutsche Bahn (DB), the state-owned railway giant, with a bold expansion of its Flixtrain brand. The company announced Friday the order of 65 high-speed trains from Spanish manufacturer Talgo, earmarked entirely for operation within Germany, marking a major escalation in the burgeoning private rail sector.
The ambitious plan, slated to see the first new trains in service from 2028, represents a direct assault on DB’s existing infrastructure and market share. Prior to the deployment of these next-generation trains, Flixtrain intends to double its current German fleet within the next two years through the integration of modernized rolling stock. Flix claims this immediate expansion will enhance passenger experience and increase service frequency, though critics question whether this is a preemptive maneuver to portray momentum before the full impact of the Talgo trains is felt.
Flix CEO André Schwämmlein framed the move as a welcome development, aligning with the stated aims of Germany’s transport ministry. He asserts that Flixtrain is set to become the “second major network” in the German passenger rail market, promising competitive travel times and frequencies comparable to DB’s offerings. This claim, however, is met with skepticism from some industry insiders who point to the complexities of accessing DB’s heavily-utilized rail network and the regulatory hurdles private operators face.
The new “Flixtrains” based on Talgo 230 technology currently utilized in projects in Denmark and Germany, will be capable of speeds up to 230 km/h and powered by Siemens Vectron locomotives. Schwämmlein underscored a commitment to affordability, touting Flix’s intention to undercut DB’s pricing while providing a superior, modern travel experience.
The move presents a complex political landscape. While the government has signaled a desire to foster competition within the rail sector, facilitating entry for private operators like Flix while maintaining the vital role of DB remains a delicate balancing act. Questions arise regarding access to infrastructure, potential cross-subsidization between Flix’s various transport divisions and the long-term sustainability of a two-tier rail system. The success of Flixtrain’s challenge hinges not only on technological advancement and competitive pricing, but crucially, on the ability to navigate the intricacies of German railway regulation and secure equitable access to a network largely controlled by its state-owned counterpart.
