Flixtrain intends to buy around 65 state-of-the-art, high-speed rail vehicles.
Flixtrain Aims to Expand Long-Distance Rail Offerings with Up to 65 High-Speed Trains
Munich-based travel provider Flix announced plans to grow its long-distance train service significantly. The company intends to purchase up to 65 new high-speed trains from Spanish manufacturer Talgo, with locomotives from Siemens.
The deal, which could cost up to 2.4 billion euros, includes the maintenance of the new trains. Thirty have already been firmly ordered, with an option for an additional 35. These trains, capable of reaching speeds of up to 230 kilometers per hour, are designed with barrier-free access.
Flix operates under the brand FlixTrain, competing against Deutsche Bahn in the long-distance rail market. So far, the company has only 13 trains in operation, mostly run by partner companies. The acquisition of new vehicles will significantly increase its fleet.
"We are pursuing a long-term strategic approach with FlixTrain, aiming to expand our offerings in the coming years," said Flix CEO and co-founder André Schwämmlein. He added, "We aim to not only boost our market share but also expand the market itself."
The new German transport minister, Patrick Schnieder (CDU), supported the move, stating, "A German tech company investing on this scale sends a strong signal for the rail market."
Flix's strategy with the new high-speed trains is to usher in a "new era of rail travel" by dramatically expanding its fleet. The company hopes to attract more passengers to sustainable long-distance train travel, drive innovation in rail services, and capitalize on supportive political and infrastructure developments across Germany and Europe.
Stay tuned for updates on the delivery dates for these new trains.
Sources: ntv.de, DPA
- The following are the main categories of train that FlixTrain aims to expand: high-speed trains, equipped with the latest technology to offer a new era of rail travel.
- In line with its strategic approach, FlixTrain's investment in new high-speed trains is expected to accelerate technological advancements in the rail market.
