Rail transport: dispute over track charges: Minister for Transport to be called upon if necessary

Regionalbahnen face mounting pressure as regional governments demand urgent action over rising track prices, warning of potential train cancellations. The issue stems from a recent European Court of Justice ruling that invalidated previous restrictions on track pricing, leading to increased costs for regional rail operators. According to reports, these higher charges could push additional expenses onto regional rail companies amounting to up to 400 million euros this year. In response, officials such as Saarland’s transport minister have called on the federal government to intervene immediately. The dispute centers around the so-called track tolls, which regional railway companies pay to DB InfraGO and DB RegioNetz Infrastruktur for using the rails. Until recently, increases in these fees were capped, with the burden primarily falling on long-distance and freight services. However, the European Court of Justice ruled that this cap was unlawful, prompting the Federal Network Agency to announce in July that track tolls for regional operators would rise by nine percent in 2026, resulting in an overall increase of 400 million euros. This decision has placed added financial strain on regional rail providers, who argue that the responsibility for infrastructure costs should not fall on local governments and passengers. At the heart of the controversy is the failure of the federal government to reform the track pricing system, according to the German Railway Association. The association accused the government of neglecting its duty to address the issue, leaving regional operators vulnerable to sudden cost hikes. As a result, several states are preparing to cancel certain train routes, citing the risk of unsustainable operations under the new pricing model. Saarland's transport minister, Petra Berg, emphasized that the federal government must fully cover the additional costs, adjust regional funding based on need, and implement lasting reforms to the track pricing system. She warned that failing to act could lead to a situation where passengers hold Germany tickets but find no trains running, a scenario she described as absurd and unacceptable. The upcoming special conference of transport ministers will focus heavily on the track price issue, with discussions likely to include proposals from the states. Several regions have already submitted detailed suggestions aimed at addressing the financial challenges faced by regional rail networks. These plans aim to ensure that the costs of maintaining and expanding rail infrastructure are fairly distributed rather than disproportionately borne by local authorities and travelers. Berg stressed that the federal government must take responsibility for its infrastructure investments and avoid shifting the burden onto state budgets or public transport users. In addition to track pricing, the meeting will also address concerns related to low water levels affecting rail operations. While not directly linked to the current pricing debate, the issue highlights broader challenges facing the rail sector, including environmental factors and infrastructure maintenance. With climate change contributing to more frequent extreme weather conditions, the reliability of rail services has become increasingly precarious, further complicating efforts to maintain consistent service quality. As the federal government prepares to respond to the demands of regional authorities, the outcome of the conference will determine whether the current pricing structure can be adjusted to prevent widespread disruptions. The stakes are high, with the potential for significant service reductions unless a viable solution is reached. The coming days will reveal how quickly the government can act to stabilize the regional rail network and restore confidence among both operators and passengers.