German States Threaten Lawsuit Over Rising Rail Track Fees

A dispute over increased rail track access charges is escalating between Germany's federal government and its states, with state transport ministers signaling a readiness to pursue legal action. Brandenburg's Transport Minister Robert Crumbach (SPD) stated that if the federal government refuses dialogue on the issue, the states will consider taking the matter to court.

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If the federal government refuses dialogue on track access prices, we see ourselves in court.

The transport ministers of the federal states, after a virtual meeting, presented a united front, declaring they are prepared to sue if necessary. Bavaria's Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter (CSU) echoed this sentiment, saying, "Since the federal government is not yet willing to compensate for the additional costs, the states are forced to sue if the federal government continues to refuse."

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Since the federal government is not yet willing to compensate for the additional costs, the states are forced to sue if the federal government continues to refuse.

The core of the conflict lies in the "Trassenpreise," essentially track access fees that transport companies pay to Deutsche Bahn, the network operator. Previously, these costs were capped for regional public transport, with the burden falling on freight and long-distance services. However, a European Court of Justice ruling in March deemed this price cap incompatible with European law.

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The current track access price system financially breaks the neck of regional rail transport.

Consequently, the Federal Network Agency recently published new track access prices. For regional public transport alone, these new prices represent additional costs of several hundred million euros for the current year. Minister Crumbach warned that the current system "financially breaks the neck of regional rail transport" and that preparations for legal steps are underway. The states are ready to support legal challenges from railway companies, preferring court action over reducing services or alienating passengers.

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Before we even order a single regional train and accept a downward spiral of thinner frequencies and alienated passengers, we will go to court.