Intense competition among long-distance coach companies is expected to result in even more of them closing down. But even so, the remaining bus companies will continue to offer an increasing supply, in terms of routes, frequency and bus size.  Additionally, car sharing is booming, and hitching a ride is becoming more popular, thus, increasing the alternative long-distance transport options which is another stress factor for the railway company.

In the past, many non-profitable rail routes (lately many international night train connections) were cancelled and many kilometres of track were closed down. They now hope that they will make themselves more attractive by massively widening their supply of routes and stations.

But whatever the economic strategy turns out to be best for Deutsche Bahn, eventually, it looks like a complete U-turn.

Recommended reading in relation to this topic: ZEIT Online of 21st of April 2016 ("Deutsche Bahn überlässt Flixbus den Fernbusmarkt")