ROME, Italy, March 6, 2026 — The Italian Competition Authority has accepted and made binding commitments offered by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) in an investigation concerning possible abuse of dominance in the allocation of capacity on the country’s high-speed rail network.
The probe, opened in March 2025 under Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, examined whether RFI’s procedures for allocating network capacity could hinder access to national rail infrastructure and restrict the entry of new operators into the high-speed passenger transport market.
Under the commitments, RFI will grant a new entrant a minimum package of 18 train paths on high-speed routes linking Turin, Milan, Rome and Venice. The train paths will be guaranteed for a period of ten years in order to support the operator’s sustainable entry into the market.
RFI also committed to amend the rules contained in its Network Statement to align them explicitly with European principles on efficient infrastructure use, passenger needs and the promotion of competition.
In addition, a transitional framework will be introduced to protect new entrants by granting them priority in the allocation of available or underused capacity, with the aim of facilitating the gradual expansion of their services.
According to the authority, the commitments address the competition concerns identified during the investigation by ensuring fair, transparent and non-discriminatory access to the high-speed rail network.
The decision is intended to promote greater competition in Italy’s high-speed rail market and support improved services, quality and competitiveness for passengers.
Source: http://en.agcm.it/en/media/press-releases/2026/3/A575-A575B
