Germany extends use of long trucks: what are the risks for rail?
The German Ministry of Transport presented a draft regulation to extend the possibility of using Type 1 long trucks, (up to 17.88 metres in total length), until 2026. The policy was set to expire at...Read more
Investing in first-last mile critical for German single wagonload traffic
The discussion around the much-contested German federal state budget for 2024 and financial strategy until 2027 is settling down as the first palpable rail investments come forward. One of the most important parts of the...Read more
Combined Transport Directive should be ready by November
File: Greening Freight Package The Greening Freight Transport Package (GFTP) remains one of the most relevant topics in the rail freight industry in Europe. Among the most discussed and awaited aspects is the Combined Transport Directive (CTD). Akos Ersek,...Read more
DB Cargo continues being the ‘black hole’ of the Group’s finances
The half-year report of the Deutsche Bahn (DB) Group is shadowed by an overall negative performance which mainly highlights DB Cargo’s losses. The Group’s freight division completed the first six months of 2023 with a...Read more
Germany: ‘New budget doesn’t reflect changes in the government’s thinking’
INTERVIEWThe recently released federal budget for 2024 has left the German rail freight sector questioning the government’s commitment to green goals and rail growth. At first glance, the additional three billion euros might seem like...Read more
Is Germany’s transport policy taking a wrong turn?
The German federal transport minister Volker Wissing sends mixed signals to the industry. On the one hand, he appears to have a new railway renovation concept that will be completed by 2030. On the other...Read more
German rail expansion plan will take decades, not years, says government
The German rail industry is quite upset with the recent comments made by representatives of the Federal Government regarding the Deutschlandtakt and its timetable. The German Federal Commissioner for Rail Transport Michael Theurer was quoted...Read more
Germany extends rail priority for energy supplies
The German Federal Council voted in favour of extending, until 31 March 2024, the ordinance that gives priority to freight trains transporting energy supplies (EnKo trains) on the German rail network. This is what a...Read more