Let Battle Commence

Across Europe, rival operators now are allowed to launch service on international routes. The author reviews the current state of the intercity market, and finds operators focusing on domestic services first, then moving to riskier cross-border routes. Thus far, Hamburg-Koln Express GmbH is the only organization committed to launching in 2010, although more operators should be competing by 2011. French rail service is viewed as unassailable, given the history of open access freight operations in France. Air France is pulling back on its plans to enter the rail market. In December 2011, Austrian operator Westbahn will launch 200 km/h services on Austria's premier main line, creating competition for railjets. The author examines the regulation that will be needed because of the new competition. An insert provides detail on the managers of many of the companies interested in entering intercity rail passenger business, many of whom used to work with national railroads.