Bundestag is under pressure: Trace price increases endanger rail traffic

Die geplante Erhöhung des Eigenkapitals der Deutschen Bahn führt zu drastischen Preiserhöhungen im Schienenverkehr. Gewerkschaften und Verbände warnen vor negativen Folgen für Reisende und Gütertransporte. Der Artikel beleuchtet die kritische Situation und fordert sofortige Maßnahmen der Bundesregierung für bezahlbare Trassenpreise und eine Reform der Schuldenbremse. Erfahren Sie mehr über die Herausforderungen und notwendigen Schritte für eine nachhaltige Verkehrswende in Deutschland.
The planned increase in Deutsche Bahn's equity leads to drastic price increases in rail transport. Unions and associations warn of negative consequences for travelers and goods transport. The article illuminates the critical situation and calls for immediate measures by the federal government for affordable route prices and a reform of the debt brake. Find out more about the challenges and necessary steps for a sustainable turnover in Germany. (Symbolbild/MB)

Bundestag is under pressure: Trace price increases endanger rail traffic

The challenges of rail financing: a call for reform

In the current discussion about the financing of the rail infrastructure in Germany, both government and society are faced with unprecedented challenges. The Federal Government's plans presented, which are intended to increase the equity of Deutsche Bahn, could have serious effects on traffic users and the environment.

The draft budget for 2025 provides for an increase in equity to avoid the requirements of the debt brake. While the intention to advance the renovation of the rail network is understandable, numerous unions and associations urge numerous unions and associations of the financial consequences. These measures could not only make rail transport more expensive, but also lead to a significant increase in consumer prices.

The key question of these plans is to comply with the Railway Regulation Act, which prescribes high interest rate of equity. The feared consequence of this regulation is a drastic increase in the rail toll: 16 percent in freight traffic and in long -distance transport by 19 percent in the coming year. These price increases should then be passed on to passengers and companies, which could further reduce the attractiveness of rail transport.

The associations underline the urgency of a comprehensive answer to this problem. For example, rail transport needs up to 400 million euros more than in the current budget to compensate for the new costs. This is considered critical in particular in connection with the government's environmental policy goals. A relocation goal of traffic drivers from the street to the rail is moved far away from the high costs.

"In view of the drastically rising route prices, there are real loss of performance in long-distance transport and an increase in truck traffic," explains Martin Burkert, chairman of the railway and transport union (EVG). This perspective illustrates the possible negative implications for the environment and the mobility of the population. In particular, the worrying climate balance of the transport sector could suffer from such a policy.

The politicians must now seriously deal with the concerns of the associations. A reform of the debt brake is urgently necessary to create financial scope for sustainable traffic investments. At the same time, the introduction of an over -year rail fund could be helpful to guarantee long -term stable financing conditions.

In summary, it can be said that the Federal Government's proposals, which are intended to increase equity, are understandable. Nevertheless, the feasibility of these measures must be in accordance with the climate goals and the economic reality of the users. It is time that everyone involved is looking for solutions together to promote rail traffic as an ecologically sustainable alternative.