Welcome to Regionalverkehre Start Deutschland GmbH
THE REGIONAL START RAIL ROUTES
On these pages you will find all the important information about our rail routes.
start is a young rail transport company that specializes in regional transport (SPNV). Founded in 2016 as a wholly owned subsidiary of DB Regio AG, we pursue the goal of developing innovative business models that are individually tailored to the needs of public transport operators. We combine these innovations with the DB Group’s many years of experience to acquire and successfully operate regional rail routes.
Our portfolio currently includes four rail routes:
Two in northern Germany: Unterelbe with the RE5 line between Cuxhaven and Hamburg and Niedersachsen Mitte, which includes the Heidekreuz and Weser-/Lammetalbahn routes.
Since December 2022, the Taunusnetz in the Rhine-Main region has also been part of the our routes and since December 2024, Mitteldeutschland has joined our portfolio. Maas-Wupper will follow in 2026.
Regionalverkehre Start Deutschland GmbH
Information about the company Regionalverkehre Start Deutschland GmbH (start) can be found here:
start routes highlights
2018 – first route put into operation with the launch of Unterlebe, meanwhile four routes in active line operation
High level of expertise – as a DB Regio subsidiary with extensive rail experience in planning and operation
Climate-friendly – on the rails in the start routes, also with alternative drive systems
Local – local contact points and partners to strengthen the region
The best out of 2 worlds – a young, dynamic company with the security of the DB Group in the background