Equity Boost at Deutsche Bahn: A Budget Move That Could Derail Rail Freight

The traffic light coalition's proposal to ease the 2025 federal budget by increasing Deutsche Bahn's (DB) equity, instead of providing construction cost subsidies, has sparked significant concern within the rail sector.

Malte Lawrenz, Chairman of the VPI, warns that this approach could have dire consequences for rail freight transport, as it would likely lead to higher track access charges.

"Anyone who is serious about shifting traffic to rail should avoid one thing at all costs: equity increases instead of construction cost subsidies. Yet, this is precisely what the latest traffic light compromise for the 2025 federal budget proposes. The financing of rail infrastructure is to be handled through a €4.5 billion equity increase for DB instead of construction cost subsidies from the federal budget. This will further drive up track access charges, particularly for rail freight transport, as every equity increase at DB AG also means an increase in track access charges.

Such an additional burden on rail freight transport must not be allowed to happen. Under these circumstances, an increase in track access charge subsidies is absolutely essential. Even now, these prices are a significant strain in competition with road transport. Fundamentally, the track access pricing system must be reformed as quickly as possible."

 

Source: VPI Press Releases