Die Güterbahnen, Germany’s national association of freight rail carriers, has sharply criticized a potential 37% increase in rail infrastructure fees by the end of this year. According to the association’s calculations, this will result in additional costs for the industry of €381 million, with companies generating a combined annual turnover of approximately €7 billion. The tariff revision was initiated by the country’s rail infrastructure operator, DB InfraGO.
Die Güterbahnen believes that such an increase undermines the competitiveness of rail freight transport and runs counter to the goal of shifting freight from road to rail. The association reiterated its call for a reform of the pricing system, proposing a fixed rate of €2 per kilometer for freight trains, as well as the introduction of five-year tariff agreements to ensure cost predictability.
Die Güterbahnen CEO Peter Westenberger recalled that Transport Minister Patrick Schnyder had previously announced plans to begin toll reform on January 1, 2027, but no concrete proposals have yet been presented. He stated that any delay could lead to shippers actually switching to road transport, which operates under more stable pricing conditions. The association also noted that a year ago, a similar 35% tariff increase was reduced by the government at the last minute to 6%, thereby avoiding a significant impact on the industry.