THE LEFT wants a Mobility Corporation Deutsche Bahn-Lufthansa

The party THE LEFT wants to merge Deutsche Bahn and Lufthansa into a large mobility corporation in light of the billions in aid. Both companies, already large in the passenger and logistics sectors, would grow into giants.

(Berlin) In light of the billions in aid for Deutsche Bahn and Lufthansa, Bernd Riexinger, chairman of the party THE LEFT, says:

“The billions in aid for Deutsche Bahn and Lufthansa offer a unique opportunity to organize a smooth transition from short-haul flights to high-speed trains without job cuts within a single corporation: by connecting both companies into a public mobility corporation.

We must not see financial aid for struggling transport companies merely as a means to preserve old structures. We need the courage to think ahead. It was already clear before Corona that we need to reduce flights and expand rail transport. This is an unavoidable transport policy task in light of climate change. The current Corona aid brings the opposite:

We are cutting funding for the politically desired mode of transport and promoting its direct, environmentally harmful competition. This is transport policy madness. On the other hand, the necessary restructuring should not come at the expense of employees.

We can achieve a smooth transition from short-haul flights to high-speed trains if we organize both business areas within one company. Given the sums currently being invested in these two companies, one of which is already 100% state-owned, this is very feasible.

If, on the other hand, the double stock market value of Lufthansa is invested in a stake with practically no say, while the railway has to buy its support with cuts in personnel, then there seems to be a lack of will to really tackle the tasks. We are missing a historic opportunity here. I wish for more courage from the federal government in climate policy.

Moreover, the railway is already one of the major air freight service providers through its subsidiary DB Schenker, and it is quite possible that further synergy potentials can be realized here.

Photo: Adobe Stock / jim

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