The launch in Italy of Europe’s first privately controlled high-speed rail operation will expand the market and improve the state-run service, the chief executive of the new operation predicts.

Giuseppe Sciarrone of Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori bases his prognosis on his experience as founder of Rail Traction Company, a private railfreight operator. RTC has increased freight traffic significantly over the Brenner pass between Italy and Austria and improved standards.