General framework

Further liberalization of the transport market in Europe

• As part of the rail reform in France, all relevant leg­islation is in the process of being changed and some French regions have started to look at tendering public transport contracts. It is through the Regions that the ad­­­vantages of market liberalization will be unlocked and DB Arriva signed a partnership agreement with the as­­so­­ciation of French regions (Régions de France), to sup­­­port steps towards rail market opening. DB Arriva has prequalified to take part in tendering in the Provence-Alpes-­­Côte d’Azur region, and several other regions are now becoming very active in preparations for liberalisation.
• The Spanish railway market is currently going through a gradual liberalization under European directives. DB Arriva is taking very early steps to explore the feasibility of an international train service between Galicia in Spain and Porto in Portugal – two regions where DB Arriva already runs bus networks.
• The Ministry of Transport is making preparations to tender regional transport services in Slovenia, scheduled to be held in 2021. DB Arriva, as the largest operator in public transport in Slovenia is well positioned to respond to the upcoming tender.