Germany wants to almost nullify track access charges

ERFA, the European Rail Freight Association, commented that it strongly supports the proposal.

Germany has proposed to continue the reduction of track access charges until the end of 2021. Interestingly, the charges will almost be nullified; from the current 50 per cent reduction it wants to move to a reduction of 98 per cent. The support comes in the face of the ongoing pandemic, which has caused significant losses for the rail freight industry.

The European Commission last year approved and encouraged the reduction of track access charges in EU member states. It is now considering to prolong this legal possibility until the end of this year, as the industry still requires the support. Germany is one of the first that has responded to this possibility by proposing to extend its support from March 2020 until the end of 2021.

Best means of support

ERFA, the European Rail Freight Association, commented that it strongly supports the proposal. Such measures remain the best means to support the rail freight industry through the COVID-19 pandemic in a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory manner, it believes.

ERFA Secretary, Conor Feighan: “The decision of the German government to allow track access charges to be reduced up until the end of 2021 shows the importance of extending the provisions of the European Regulation establishing measures for a sustainable rail market until the end of this year. We therefore call upon the European Commission to take the necessary steps to prolong the Regulation.” Read more

Source: RAILFREIGHT

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