NEW Daytime Passenger Rail Service Between Sweden, Denmark & Germany – Run by an Independent Operator
From 4 May 2026, the independent rail operator Snälltåget will introduce a brand new daytime direct service connecting Stockholm - Malmö - Copenhagen - Hamburg. Departures from both Stockholm and Hamburg in the late morning will bring passengers to their destination the same evening, offering a comfortable, relaxing and climate-friendly way to travel between Germany and Scandinavia.
Another New Commercially Driven Night Train Crossing Several EU Borders
Last week, the independent operator European Sleeper launched a new direct rail service between Belgium and the Alps – stopping in the Netherlands, Germany and Austria along the way.
The New Direct Award To Dutch Railways (NS) Will Cost More – For Both Passengers And Taxpayers
Netherlands: The government has directly awarded a new 9-year Public Service Obligation contract (‘PSC’) to state-owned NS to operate the Main Rail Network from 2025 until 2033.
But it is still not finalised: an infringement procedure is ongoing. Market opening would be better - for both passengers & taxpayers.
De Onderhandse Gunning Van Het Hoofdrailnet Aan NS Gaat Meer Kosten – Voor Zowel Reizigers Als Belastingbetalers
De Nederlandse overheid heeft een 9-jarige hoofrailnetconcessie voor de periode 2025 tot en met 2033 onderhands gegund aan NS.
Maar het is nog niet definitief: er loopt een inbreukprocedure. Marktopening zou beter zijn - zowel voor de reizigers als voor de belastingbetalers.
