According to a joint statement released by the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI), the Fuel and Energy Association (en2x), the German Paper Industry Association, the German Steel Manufacturers Federation (WV Stahl) and the Freight Wagon Owners Association (VPI), rising and increasingly unpredictable rail fares are putting significant pressure on rail freight transportation also undermines the competitiveness of German industry.
The associations called on politicians to quickly implement track access system reform and implement effective short-term relief measures, warning that the draft federal budget for 2027 would further increase pressure by reducing track access subsidies by 65 million euros.
Industry demands the introduction of predictable fees for access to railway tracks
The associations stated that the rising costs of the railway network are affecting both railway operators and industrial companies, while persistent quality problems, delays and unreliability of the railway network are further exacerbating the freight traffic situation.
They argued that additional increases in railway access fees are no longer acceptable in current market conditions, and stressed that the lack of predictability of future fees creates particular difficulties for investment planning and long-term logistical decisions.
German organizations, seek reforms on railway charging system
According to the statement, comprehensive reform of the railway access system to ensure long-term, predictable and reliable charging development and fair distribution of legal costs between passenger and freight rail transport. The associations also called for legal guarantees to increase the predictability of pricing and stressed that any tariff increase should be accompanied by a tangible improvement in the quality and efficiency of the railway network.
The organizations said that the initial measures to increase the timetable changes should take effect in December 2026. They called for the maintenance of cost-effective subsidies for railway fares, at least at the current level, and opposed any additional financial costs, including higher fees for the transportation of heavy-duty trains or dangerous goods. The five organizations emphasized that companies need certainty in planning, stating that reliable and affordable railway access fees are essential for making investment decisions.
