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In a resolution, THE FREIGHT RAILWAYS present a thought-provoking proposal for the definition of the “public welfare orientation” outlined in the traffic light coalition agreement. This definition will determine whether the operator of 95 percent of the German rail infrastructure will implement the urgently needed transformation or continue as before.
(Berlin) The proposal from the FREIGHT RAILWAYS to gradually consolidate all infrastructure companies of the DB Group into the “Railway Germany GmbH” is directed at the Federal Minister of Transport and the transport politicians of the traffic light coalition. The new company must be able to expand capacity, improve quality, promote growth, and operate at fair prices. The discussion must now gain momentum so that the company can start its work on January 1, 2024, on time. “The definition of what ‘public welfare-oriented’ means is crucial for whether the planned restructuring of the infrastructure companies leads to real improvements. The rail network is a common good and belongs to all of us – that’s why ‘Railway Germany’,” explains Ludolf Kerkeling, Chairman of the Board, on the sidelines of the members’ meeting of the FREIGHT RAILWAYS in Frankfurt am Main.
The “Railway Germany GmbH” must have a clear working basis with precise goals and knowledgeable state support and oversight to operate efficiently. Therefore, the resolution also includes what is not public welfare-oriented. “We warn that mere announcements of noble goals and intentions or general statements from the ministry alone are not acceptable to us. Germany has already moved to the brink of a collapse of the rail network in recent years. The Ministry of Transport and DB AG must now implement the structural change of the infrastructure operator in the interest of the customers. Another muddling through like in previous years is no longer possible,” says Kerkeling. A major flaw of the previous DB Netz AG is the pursuit of profit as a corporate goal, which has effectively led to the infrastructure being underfunded while track prices have continued to rise – on average 2.5% p.a. However, even the mere renunciation of profit generation is not sufficient from the perspective of the FREIGHT RAILWAYS. Kerkeling: “Customer orientation, inclusion of the entire industry, sustainable personnel policy, and operational efficiency are just some of the points that DB Netz customers have been missing for years. Our appeal to the Federal Minister of Transport is: First, there needs to be a ruthless assessment of why the quality of the infrastructure has deteriorated so badly and what, besides adequate funding in the interest of satisfied customers, needs to be changed. We sincerely hope that you will be the minister who has turned the tide.”
Jan Elfenhorst new on the Board
At today’s members’ meeting of THE FREIGHT RAILWAYS, board elections were also on the agenda: Roger Mahler (Metrans Rail Germany) was confirmed in office, and Jan Elfenhorst (Lineas Germany) joins the board. They will advance the goals of the alliance in the seven-member board over the next two years.
Photo: © THE FREIGHT RAILWAYS
