Rail ticket costs - Elevated transportation fares result in a projected €20 million loss for MV.
With the projected substantial rise in track fees by 2026, expected to hit around 20 million euros annually, the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region anticipates this additional expenditure, as outlined by a representative from the Schwerin Transport Ministry.
This anticipated surge in track fees primarily impacts regional transport, with InfraGo requesting a 23.5% hike at the Federal Network Agency. InfraGo manages the country's rail network.
Germany's federal states oversee local public transportation, which is already grappling with chronic funding shortages, due in part to the inexpensive Germany ticket.
However, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern does not intend to discontinue any rail lines or sections in passenger service transit, as confirmed by the Transport Ministry. The state can cover the escalating expenditures by tapping into a special fund established recently.
The federal government bears the responsibility of providing adequate financing for these state offers through what are known as regionalization funds. "It's imperative we identify sustainable, dependable financing solutions here," was urged towards Berlin.
Approaching a price hike
InfraGo proposes a substantial increase in track fees - a fee for rail use - from 2026. On a general basis, prices are set to rise by 19.1% from 2026. Long-distance travel will experience a 10.1% increase, while freight transportation will see a 14.8% uptick. For these planned track fees to be finalized, they need approval from the Federal Network Agency. The review process is scheduled to commence in October.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state parliament's CDU faction chair, Daniel Peters, warned of a "price shock" for the states. "Either they'll be unable to afford the Berlin predicament, leading to canceled trains. Or these increased fees will be directly passed on to customers." Similarly, Minister Reinhard Meyer (SPD) cautioned: "If train, commute, and even freight transport become too expensive, it won't be feasible to transfer more traffic to the rails."
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The Heavy increase in track fees, projected to reach 20 million euros annually by 2026, is a significant concern for the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region. This financial burden could potentially make rail transport too expensive, as warned by Minister Reinhard Meyer, leading to an impossible situation where freight and commute transport become unaffordable.
