Name change - The regional rail company Go-Ahead becomes Arverio
Go-Ahead railway company will operate under the name Arverio in South Germany starting now. The renaming is a result of the takeover by the Austrian federal railways (ÖBB), which was implemented at the beginning of the year.
The previous name Go-Ahead originates from the eponymous British transport conglomerate, which founded the company as its German subsidiary years ago. By the end of 2025, the renaming is expected to be completed in all business units, according to the company.
The railway company covers important regional train connections in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria with two state corporations. These corporations now receive a new name and new branding, according to the responsible parties in Augsburg. The train colors, blue in Bavaria and yellow in Baden-Württemberg, remain unchanged. However, the trains will be equipped with new lettering.
Five years on the move in the south
Since 2019, the company has operated several lines in Baden-Württemberg from Stuttgart: the Remsbahn, Residenzbahn, Filstalbahn, Frankenbahn, and Murrbahn. For example, it connects the state capital with Karlsruhe, Pforzheim, Heilbronn, and Ulm. Some lines extend beyond the border into Bavaria.
Go-Ahead started operating in Bavaria in 2021, initially in Allgäu. A year later, the heavily frequented lines around Augsburg were added, which were previously served by Deutsche Bahn (DB). In Bavaria, the regional trains go as far as Munich, Nuremberg, or Würzburg.
In both states, the company operates approximately ten million train kilometers per year. During the acquisition of the regional lines, Go-Ahead faced significant challenges, such as technical train failures and personnel shortages.
- Due to the takeover by ÖBB, Go-Ahead's railroad company in South Germany will be renamed Arverio, impacting not only Bavaria but also Baden-Württemberg.
- Delays in the renaming process for both Go-Ahead and its affiliated state corporations in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria may cause temporary confusion in the busy traffic of Southern Germany.
- Despite the forthcoming name change, the romantic charm of traveling through Bavaria's Alpine landscapes or Baden-Württemberg's picturesque vineyards by railroad will remain unchanged.
- The ÖBB acquisition of Go-Ahead in Bavaria has led to an increase in the number of regional trains, offering commuters in Augsburg, Munich, Nuremberg, or Württemberg a wider selection of railroad travel options.
- By 2026, Go-Ahead's Arverio subsidiary aims to have completed its brand change across all units, ensuring seamless rail travel that upholds the tradition of exceptional service in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
