Around 1300 people have made this possible through a crowdfunding initiative - Locomore claims to be the world’s first crowdfunded railway company.

“We now want as many people as possible to board our new long-distance train service, and thereby together make Locomore a success,” says Mr Derek Ladewig, Locomore’s founder, main shareholder, and managing director.

Locomore’s daily service, which is operated by a 200km/h locomotive-hauled train, takes around 6h 45min to travel from Stuttgart to Berlin Main Station compared with 5h 35min by an ICE train operated by German Rail (DB). However, Locomore says it expects to carry a lot of passengers between intermediate stations and to attract a wide range of people including students due to its attractive fares.

Locomore charges €22 - €65 for a single ticket from Stuttgart to Berlin depending on the day of the week, compared with DB’s lowest second-class fare €115.90 or €72.50 with a Bahncard 50 discount card.

Five categories of accommodation are offered on Locomore: basic, quiet, themed, and business, in either traditional compartments or open saloons fitted with leather seats. Wi-Fi is available and refreshments are served. Packages are also available in the business compartments which include snacks and drinks.