NTV says that RFI has published a new PIR - the document which regulates the relationship between RFI and train operators - which substantially changes the rules governing access to the rail network. NTV says the new PIR ignores the stipulations of the Rail Regulator (URSF) and only allows train operators seven days to make a response. The new PIR was published just a few days after a request for paths for the 2012 timetable.

NTV calls for the immediate establishment of a truly independent third party to supervise railway liberalisation in Italy. The company says this latest attempt jeopardises the €1 billion of private investment in NTV and the jobs of the 300 people already employed by the company.

Other open-access operators have also complained of discrimination by FS and its subsidiaries to prevent them competing fairly with Trenitalia.