German States Warn of Train Cancellations Over Soaring Track Fees

Regional train operators in Germany are facing a significant financial challenge, with an estimated 400 million euros in additional costs this year following a ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ).

The ECJ declared the previous system of capping track access charges, known as "Trassenpreise," unlawful. These charges are paid by train companies to infrastructure providers like DB InfraGO for using the rail network. Previously, cost increases were primarily borne by long-distance and freight transport, but the ECJ's decision means these charges will rise substantially for regional services.

Following the ruling, the Federal Network Agency announced that track access fees for regional operators would increase by nine percent in 2026. The German Association for Local Rail Transport has blamed the federal government for failing to reform the track pricing system, contributing to the expected cost hike.

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Otherwise, an absurd outcome threatens: people have the Deutschlandticket in their pockets, but no train arrives at the platform. That would be an admission of failure.

Several German states are now warning of potential service reductions or cancellations. Petra Berg, the transport minister for Saarland, urged the federal government to address the issue immediately, stating, "Otherwise, an absurd outcome threatens: people have the Deutschlandticket in their pockets, but no train arrives at the platform. That would be an admission of failure."

Berg is calling for the federal government to fully compensate for the increased costs, boost regionalization funds as needed, and implement a permanent reform of the track pricing system. She emphasized that the federal government should not shift its infrastructure costs onto the states and passengers. The rising track access charges are a central topic for an upcoming video conference of transport ministers.

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The federal government must not shift the costs of its infrastructure onto the states and the passengers.