Leipzig-Berlin-Rostock

In contrast to the German regional rail transport, long-distance railway operators are not provided with public subsidies. In 2002, Veolia Transport was the first private company to run long distance rail services under the brand name InterConnex. This is a full-risk venture. The risks largely depend on the current monopolist which holds control of the stations and the rails.

That situation also offers opportunities, such as free structuring of fares and sales channels. Regarding the InterConnex, Veolia Transport is responsible for nearly everything, e.g. to establish and manage a marketing, sales and distribution network. This also includes a revenue management system.

The overall objective is to operate cost-effective long distance traffic. It is still a niche part of a huge potential market asserting itself in the face of a dominant state-owned market player.

The particular objectives are:

• an increase in passenger numbers, especially to win additional trains riders that would have used the car;
• to achieve high customer satisfaction rates;
• to create a positive image for Veolia Transport;
• pilot project for new technical solutions and for gathering experiences in price setting;
• to generate revenue.

Veolia Transport has led the way in private operation of services in the German long-distance railway market. It operates the complete service without subsidies.

• high levels of comfort and friendly spaces;
• convenient fares;
• short travel times;
• an easily accessible sales and distribution network via Internet, commercial spaces and customer mobility center;
• our rail vehicles have been re-designed with new passenger features, such as multifunctional areas for up to 50 bicycles or children's push chairs, wheelchairs etc.;
• simplified tariffs and timetables are defined around carefully studied customer needs;
• specific marketing campaigns have delivered special benefits to targeted customer segments, such as a campaigns to'over 55's' and school attendees.

After eight years of service, passengers have an extremely positive image of the InterConnex brand.

• In a 2009 independent customer satisfaction survey, 98% of passengers would recommend the service - and 63% expressed themselves'very satisfied'.
• Customer-facing staff have followed the unique Veolia Transport customer care training program "Going for Green" to ensure the best possible passenger experience.