Revising Rail Infrastructure Costs in Germany: BSN Proposes Major Reforms for Transparency and Efficiency

The BSN association is advocating for revising rail infrastructure costs in Germany to improve efficiency and transparency. A recent court decision highlighted issues in the current pricing model and its compliance with European rules. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Why Revising Rail Infrastructure Costs in Germany is Necessary

The Cologne Administrative Court determined that linking timetable slot fees to federal subsidies contradicts European regulations. Federal subsidies will increase by only 3% in 2025, creating financial challenges for regional governments.

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To resolve this, the court plans to escalate the case to the European Court of Justice. If confirmed, violations could lead to sharp increases in slot fees, putting immense pressure on regional rail budgets and threatening service sustainability.

BSN’s Proposals for Revising Rail Infrastructure Costs in Germany

BSN recommends recalculating timetable slot fees based solely on direct operational costs. This strategy aims to lower expenses for all rail operators and boost competitiveness against road transport. Fixed costs for infrastructure maintenance and network development should be covered by the federal budget to ensure fairness. Additionally, BSN suggests separating the rail infrastructure operator from the DB Group to improve transparency and eliminate potential conflicts of interest. This structural change could ensure compliance with European standards.

Implications of Revising Rail Infrastructure Costs in Germany

If implemented, BSN’s proposals could strengthen the rail transport sector in Germany by reducing costs and improving service efficiency. However, achieving these reforms requires strong political collaboration between regional and federal authorities. Transparent financial management and a clear funding model will play a crucial role in achieving long-term sustainability for Germany’s railways.

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