The Sektorbeirat, an independent advisory body to DB InfraGO, has emphasized the need for substantial investment in the maintenance and expansion of Germany's rail infrastructure. Following a meeting in Berlin on September 9, 2024, the council highlighted the urgency of establishing a stable and long-term funding model to support a sustainable rail network.
DB InfraGO is urged to focus on both maintaining the existing network and advancing its expansion and digitalization efforts. However, achieving a robust infrastructure requires a financing strategy that ensures stability and neutrality in track pricing. The Sektorbeirat calls on all stakeholders within DB and the political sphere to establish the necessary financial framework to support the infrastructure's long-term strength.
Current plans to shift more traffic onto railways may be at risk if sufficient financial support is not secured. Although the increased funding in the 2025 federal budget and the new legal framework provided by the reformed Federal Railways Expansion Act are steps in the right direction, the Sektorbeirat views these measures as only the beginning.
RDC Deutschland has been actively involved in the discussions within the Sektorbeirat. Represented by CEO Dr. Markus Hunkel, RDC brings a broad perspective from across the rail sector, including AutoReiseZug, Autozug, SPNV, SPFV, and freight transport. Dr. Hunkel has highlighted the critical issue of track pricing, advocating for a healthy financing model for rail infrastructure. Concerns have been raised about the potential shift of freight to road transport due to rising track prices, which could undermine the industry's efforts toward sustainability. RDC’s involvement underscores the importance of maintaining a competitive and financially viable rail network.
Bärbel Fuchs, the chair of the Sektorbeirat and managing director of the Bavarian Railway Company, pointed out that infrastructure development is a continuous process that requires long-term financial commitment. Without stable funding over the entire duration of infrastructure projects and programs, there is a risk of not completing essential maintenance work or even beginning necessary expansion and digitalization initiatives.
The council has proposed a "debt brake-neutral" infrastructure fund as a solution for multi-year financing. This would involve developing viable models and creating appropriate budgetary provisions in the short term.
Concerns were raised over the potential consequences of the recently proposed track price hikes by DB InfraGO. The Sektorbeirat stressed that past mistakes should not lead to increased costs for users, as this would result in a disproportionate financial burden. The planned increases could have various negative effects, including higher ticket prices for passengers and a potential shift of freight from rail to road, undermining the competitiveness of rail transport.
The Sektorbeirat advocates for a reduction in track prices to prevent a shift of traffic from rail to road. There is a call for a sustainable financing approach for the maintenance and expansion of tracks and stations to secure the future of the rail system. The council also underscored the importance of coordinated and accelerated implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) and rail digitalization initiatives to address challenges in the rail sector.
