The Italian antitrust authority has granted approval for the entry of French operator SNCF onto the national high-speed lines. Starting in 2027, French TGV M trains will compete with state-owned Trenitalia and private operator Italo. This decision ends the duopoly on the most profitable routes connecting Turin with Rome, Naples, and Venice, which is expected to bring passengers lower ticket prices and a higher standard of travel.
Third Player on the Tracks
French SNCF has received approval to enter the Italian high-speed rail market, ending the previous duopoly of Trenitalia and Italo.
18 Daily Services
The French operator plans to launch eighteen daily connections on key routes linking Turin, Rome, Naples, and Venice.
Debut in 2027
The official start of operations is planned for 2027, after the completion of certification processes for the modern TGV M trainsets.
The Italian rail market stands on the brink of a historic change following a decision by the national antitrust authority, which accepted the commitments of infrastructure manager RFI. This enables the entry of the French giant SNCF onto high-speed routes. The French carrier is preparing for its debut on the Apennine Peninsula, directly challenging the current leaders: the state-owned company Trenitalia and the private carrier Italo. The expansion, planned for 2027, will cover the country's key transport corridors, making Italy a unique global laboratory for competition among three powerful entities. According to the approved plan, the French operator intends to launch 18 daily services. Strategic routes will connect Turin with Rome and Naples, as well as Turin with Venice. To operate these connections, SNCF will use the new generation TGV M trains. The regulator's decision is the result of lengthy negotiations regarding equal access to infrastructure and the fight against the dominance of the current players. The Italian authority recognized that increased competition will force operators to make further investments in service quality and will lead to a drop in ticket prices for travelers. Italy was the first country in Europe to introduce real competition on high-speed lines in 2012, allowing the private operator Italo to compete with the state-owned carrier. SNCF's entry into the Italian market is part of a broader international expansion strategy, following successes achieved in Spain under the Ouigo brand. Experts point out that the Italian Alta Velocità network is one of the most promising markets in Europe. Although regular services will start in 2027, the process of rolling stock certification and staff training will begin much earlier. The Italian transport regulator ART will oversee the implementation process of the new player to ensure safety and smooth traffic on the already heavily congested lines. „La SNCF prévoit de se lancer sur les lignes à grande vitesse Turin-Rome et Turin-Venise à partir de 2027” (SNCF plans to launch on the Turin-Rome and Turin-Venice high-speed lines starting in 2027) — SNCF Analysts emphasize that the appearance of a third operator is a signal for all of Europe about the progressing liberalization of rail transport. For passengers, this means not only a greater choice of departure times but also a fight for customers through technological innovations and loyalty programs. Italy, as a pioneer of competition on the tracks, is once again setting standards that could become a model for other European Union member states seeking to decarbonize transport by promoting railways at the expense of short-haul aviation.
Perspektywy mediów: Liberal and pro-European media highlight benefits for passengers and the success of EU policy opening up rail markets. Conservative media may express concerns about the position of the national carrier Trenitalia in the face of expansion by a foreign giant.