Alliance calls for second major German rail reform, new infrastructure manager

摘要

AN alliance of industry groups and associations has published a position paper calling for the second major reform of the German railway sector, which they say must include the introduction of an autonomous, independent federal infrastructure company. The group says the current monopolistic structure is hindering modal shift to rail and that the concept of an integrated DB Group "no longer fits in the modern transport world." It argues that the German government's railway network must be operated in a customer and growth-oriented manner that does not make a profit and that holding structures and profit transfer agreements must become a thing of the past Instead, priority should be given to conditions which favour the customer. This includes minimising as much as possible full line closures and extensive detours by developing a sustainable expansion and maintenance strategy and by ending discrimination in sales and distribution channels.