Rail network: freight railways criticize DB InfraGo

Berlin. The private freight railways accuse the infrastructure subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn of continually increasing the price screw when it comes to route fees. In 2028 there should be 6.6 percent more in the standard segment, the Association of Freight Railways announced on Tuesday.

For dangerous goods - including mineral oil, chemical products and fertilizers - 63.5 percent are planned. For very heavy trains - for example for the construction, steel or energy sectors - it is almost 85 percent. On average, there would be an increase of more than 14 percent, after an increase of almost 13 percent is already planned for 2027.

The association called on the federal government to quickly submit proposals for the promised reform of the route pricing system. “A country that is fighting for its industry cannot afford to ignore this reform any longer,” said freight railway expert Oliver Smock. “If chemical, construction and steel transport by rail becomes unaffordable, not only goods will move to the road, but value creation and jobs will move abroad.”

Given the current legal situation, the railway subsidiary DB InfraGO has no incentive to keep its costs under control because others are paying. “The only solution is to realign the route pricing system towards competitive prices and stability over many years.” Otherwise there will be further shifts to trucks.

The route prices are the fees for using the rail network. They are to be increased by an average of 7.9 percent in 2027 - in freight transport by 12.9 percent, in local passenger transport by 7.7 percent and in long-distance transport by 5.0 percent.