According to a report by “Financial Times” Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS), Italy’s state train operator, plans to set up high-speed train services between some of Europe’s largest cities. More specifically, FS wants to offer a high-speed train service connecting Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris and eventually Berlin to take advantage of EU regulations that force countries to allow competition on their high-speed networks.
Train instead of short-haul flight
Carlo Palasciano Villamagna, FS’ international head, told the Financial Times that the company is interested in cross-border services following the liberalization measures that came into force in June 2019. These regulations have paved the way for competition between private companies and state operators from neighboring countries. The aim is to expand the market and position trains as a competitive alternative to short-haul flights.
Palasciano highlighted the company’s interest in new services in other parts of Europe. He pointed out that the route from Brussels to Amsterdam could be attractive. “It’s a very popular line,” Palasciano said, adding: “We’re currently looking at how we could be possible partners or actors for this part of Europe.”
A lack of infrastructure slows down plans for high-speed trains
Alberto Mazzola, Executive Director of the Community of European Railways, expects more competition on many routes. However, he pointed out that the lack of suitable infrastructure for high-speed trains in Europe is a major problem. A report by EY earlier this year found that creating a comprehensive high-speed network to connect Europe’s largest regions and cities would cost €550 billion.
Palasciano concluded by emphasizing that Trenitalia plans to offer a higher standard of service than its competitors in order to compete in a competitive market and attract passengers from planes to rail.