The rail sector needs financial relief to make future investments

Position statement of Malte Lawrenz, VPI chairperson, concerning the route price reduction targeted by the federal government and the EU Commission within the framework of an “industry solution” for the planned multi-billion-euro financial assistance for the rail sector:

“We expressly welcome the planned reduction in the route prices. In view of the difficult economic situation resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, many companies need relief in order to have sufficient capacity for future investments. From ETCS to digital automatic coupling: The tasks facing the entire sector are enormous. The EU Commission has justifiably pointed out that financial aid must not benefit exclusively Deutsche Bahn.

As a fundamental principle, the lowering of the route prices should not be a short-term but a long-term measure. Route prices are a key point of leverage for reducing the competitive disadvantage of railway traffic relative to the road.”