Bundestag is under pressure: Trace price increases endanger rail traffic

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.