Regional transport ministers demand federal talks over rising track fees
State transport ministers warn that higher track charges could force cuts to regional rail services and raise ticket prices, and they are calling on Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil for a meeting.
Transport ministers of the German states are raising alarms that the removal of the EU-mandated ceiling on railway track fees will increase costs for regional rail providers. The change follows a European Court of Justice decision and has already led to the cancellation of certain routes in Bavaria and Schleswig-Holstein. Ministers warn that without federal assistance, additional lines may be dropped and ticket prices could rise sharply.
They are pressing Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil to negotiate a reform of the fee structure, emphasizing that the financial burden could reach several hundred million euros. The issue is slated for top priority at the upcoming ministers' conference, with officials stressing that passengers risk significant service cuts if the matter is not resolved.
