DB Regio, Germany’s largest regional rail operator, has begun the integration, with effect from 1 August 2026, of Regionalverkehre Start Deutschland GmbH, a subsidiary set up by the Deutsche Bahn Group to operate regional contracts won through tenders.
Through this reorganisation, all Start services will be operated under the single DB Regio brand, in a move designed to simplify administration and improve operational performance.
From this date onwards, all regional transport contracts previously operated by Start Deutschland will be taken over and managed by DB Regio AG, and services will be provided exclusively under the DB Regio brand. According to the company, the integration process will not affect train services or the services offered to passengers.
Contracts and staff are being taken over in full
For passengers, the change will be almost imperceptible. Trains will run according to existing timetables, and the services contracted by the regional authorities will continue without any changes. At the same time, Start Deutschland staff will be transferred in full to DB Regio’s regional structures, retaining their experience and operational roles.
Company representatives emphasise that the main objective is to ensure a seamless transition and to capitalise on the skills acquired by Start staff over recent years.
The integration comes at a time when the regional transport market in Germany is facing challenges relating to staff availability, rising operating costs and the need to improve service punctuality. In recent months, DB Regio has already begun implementing measures to increase operational reliability in several regions, including by deploying additional locomotive drivers to support operations.
The integration of Start Deutschland forms part of the Deutsche Bahn Group’s strategy to simplify its operational structure and consolidate regional transport activities under a single operator.
Start Deutschland was set up by Deutsche Bahn to take part in regional passenger transport tenders, particularly in areas where contracting authorities were seeking more flexible operational models and competitive costs. With these activities returning to DB Regio, the company expects to be able to utilise its resources more efficiently, reduce administrative costs and improve the quality of services offered to passengers, benefiting from a unified organisational structure and better coordination of staff and rolling stock.
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