The Italian Competition Authority and Market Authority (AGCM) has issued a ruling favorable to opening up the high-speed market to competition in Italy.
A step welcomed by SNCF Voyages Italia, a subsidiary of SNCF Voyageurs.
The Authority validated the commitments made by the infrastructure manager Rete Ferroviaria Italiana to ensure fair access terms for new operators.
For SNCF Voyages Italia, this decision constitutes an important first step. But it must now be followed by concrete measures, including the immediate allocation of a portion of the requested rail slots.
Without this access to capacity to run trains, the launch of the project will not be possible.
A step welcomed by SNCF Voyages Italia, a subsidiary of SNCF Voyageurs.
The Authority validated the commitments made by the infrastructure manager Rete Ferroviaria Italiana to ensure fair access terms for new operators.
For SNCF Voyages Italia, this decision constitutes an important first step. But it must now be followed by concrete measures, including the immediate allocation of a portion of the requested rail slots.
Without this access to capacity to run trains, the launch of the project will not be possible.
Un projet d’investissement prévu pour 2027
The company plans to launch its new high-speed offering in September 2027.
The project relies on the introduction of 15 next-generation trains, with the goal of carrying more than 10 million passengers per year in Italy.
The offering aims to provide more capacity, “optimal comfort, competitive fares and an environmentally friendly travel experience,” says SNCF Voyages Italia in a press release.
The industrial plan foresees 13 daily round-trips : 9 between Turin and Naples, and 4 between Turin and Venice.
For the company, this level of activity is essential to make the investments viable. Without these minimum conditions, the project could not be fully implemented.
The project relies on the introduction of 15 next-generation trains, with the goal of carrying more than 10 million passengers per year in Italy.
The offering aims to provide more capacity, “optimal comfort, competitive fares and an environmentally friendly travel experience,” says SNCF Voyages Italia in a press release.
The industrial plan foresees 13 daily round-trips : 9 between Turin and Naples, and 4 between Turin and Venice.
For the company, this level of activity is essential to make the investments viable. Without these minimum conditions, the project could not be fully implemented.
Un projet aux retombées économiques significatives, mais encore conditionné
According to a study conducted with Università Bocconi and its GREEN research center, the project could generate more than €480 million in economic spillovers per year.
These benefits would include a contribution to growth, new tax revenues, the creation of more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs, time savings for travelers, and an average easing of prices due to intensified competition.
Despite the decision of the Competition Authority, SNCF Voyages Italia nevertheless believes that several conditions remain essential to bring its market entry to fruition.
The company is asking in particular for sufficient access to additional rail slots, the possibility to operate maintenance facilities in Italy, and obtaining the necessary certifications for its trains. Without these guarantees, the launch of the new offering could not be realized within the planned timelines.
SNCF Voyages Italia urges all sector stakeholders to collaborate to enable a successful entry into the Italian market, in compliance with European regulations.
These benefits would include a contribution to growth, new tax revenues, the creation of more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs, time savings for travelers, and an average easing of prices due to intensified competition.
Despite the decision of the Competition Authority, SNCF Voyages Italia nevertheless believes that several conditions remain essential to bring its market entry to fruition.
The company is asking in particular for sufficient access to additional rail slots, the possibility to operate maintenance facilities in Italy, and obtaining the necessary certifications for its trains. Without these guarantees, the launch of the new offering could not be realized within the planned timelines.
SNCF Voyages Italia urges all sector stakeholders to collaborate to enable a successful entry into the Italian market, in compliance with European regulations.
Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor See all articles by Amelia Brille
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