German rail service Flix set to outdo Deutsche Bahn with novel train offerings

In a bold move to shake up the German transport industry, Munich-based company Flix has ordered 65 high-speed trains from Talgo, aiming to expand its network beyond the current 50 cities served. The new trains, which will cost up to 2.4 billion euros, are part of Flix's strategy to offer cheaper tickets compared to German Railways without first-class seating or onboard restaurants.

However, specific routes and start dates for these new high-speed services have not been announced yet. What is clear is that Flix's trains will offer improved comfort, with straight, barrier-free entrances modeled after the S-Bahn, and snack machines available on board. Each train will guarantee a seat for every passenger.

The introduction of these trains into the market will be gradual, but Flix already faces challenges in achieving fair competition. The concern is discrimination against Flix on DB Navigator, the most used ticket platform in Germany, which was built with tax money. Almost every train in Europe is sold on DB Navigator, except for Flix's trains.

The Flix CEO perceives this discrimination as unacceptable and has stated that fair competition is necessary in long-distance traffic. The company is taking action against it, and the technical aspect of selling Flix's trains on DB Navigator is not an issue, according to the CEO.

Access to the distribution infrastructure is another concern for Flix. The company plans to compete with the new high-speed trains and the concept of German Railways in the coming years, but the lack of listing on the DB Navigator platform is a significant hurdle.

Passengers who wish to bring large suitcases or have a better seat may have to pay extra, as Flix does not plan to have first class. Despite these challenges, Flix remains committed to offering affordable, efficient, and accessible transport options to the German public.