Munich–Venice train connection to have intermediate stops after all?

Travelers wishing to take the train from Germany to Italy via the Brenner Pass know the problem: There are few options for connections on EC trains via the Brenner. The current situation is highly unsatisfactory for many rail passengers and is also confusing. The announcement of a partnership between DB AG and ÖBB, which plans to operate two new trains between Munich and Venice, raised hopes. But even here, it seems that finding a simple solution in the interests of travelers is not so straightforward after all.

It all sounded so promising: The route between Munich and Venice was to be served by the two EC trains, EC 86 and EC 87. Many travelers hoped this new connection would offer an attractive alternative for reaching various places in Italy along the route operated by DB AG and ÖBB. Then came the bad news: In a press release, ÖBB and DB AG reluctantly announced that the route could only be operated without intermediate stops. Due to regulations imposed by the Italian regulatory authority “URSF,” the EC trains would not be allowed to make any intermediate stops on the route between Munich and Venice.

Now there has been a U-turn: ÖBB has announced that the “no-stopping” restriction on the new train services applies only to stops at the stations in Vicenza and Padua. The URSF had expressly refused to approve these stops. Stops are, however, possible at all the other stations on the route between Venice and Munich.