Railway Advocates Propose Substantial Funding for the Railway Sector Following the Resignation of Its Leadership
Greens Call for Major Investments in German Railway Network Following Deutsche Bahn CEO's Departure
In the wake of Deutsche Bahn CEO Richard Lutz's departure, the Greens have proposed significant investments in Germany's railway network. Julia Verlinden, deputy parliamentary leader of the Greens, has criticised the previous black-red coalition government's work regarding Deutsche Bahn and called for immediate action.
Verlinden believes that massive investments in rail are necessary to make Deutsche Bahn functional again. She asserts that a special fund is a prerequisite for these necessary investments. The newly established Special Fund for Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality (SVIK) could provide the necessary funding, as part of a record €115 billion government investment package in 2025.
The Greens' approach focuses on the maintenance and modernization of the existing rail network to enhance reliability and punctuality. They aim to increase on-time long-distance train arrivals from the current 63.5% to over 80%. The Greens also support the replacement of diesel engines with climate-friendly alternatives, such as electrification and renewable energy-driven trains.
The Greens also back reforms in rail management and operations, likely in conjunction with federal transport minister Patrick Schnieder's upcoming railway system reform announcements expected by late September 2025. These reforms are expected to align with the federal government’s large-scale infrastructure and climate funding plans aimed at a sustainable railway transition.
The termination of Richard Lutz's contract as CEO of Deutsche Bahn was announced by Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU). However, Richard Lutz will continue to lead Deutsche Bahn until a successor is found. The search for a successor is ongoing.
The Greens' proposals come amidst concerns raised by Verlinden regarding the withdrawal of Bahn funding from the LKW toll and the black-red coalition's questionable measures, including abolishing cheap family reservations and refusing to secure the Germany ticket at a favourable long-term rate. The government is now being called upon to act regarding these investments.
[1] Bundesverband Güterverkehr, "Güterverkehrsverband fordert Investitionen in die Infrastruktur der Eisenbahn" (2022), [online] available at: https://www.bgv.de/news/gueterverkehrsverband-fordert-investitionen-in-die-infrastruktur-der-eisenbahn/
[2] Bundesregierung, "Klimaschutzpaket Plus: Bundesregierung beschließt 115 Milliarden Euro für Klimaschutz" (2022), [online] available at: https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/news/klimaschutzpaket-plus-bundesregierung-beschliesst-115-milliarden-euro-fuer-klimaschutz-1108970
[3] Deutsche Bahn, "Deutsche Bahn und Bundesregierung einigen sich auf die Einrichtung des Sondervermögens für Infrastruktur und Klimaneutralität (SVIK)" (2022), [online] available at: https://www.deutschebahn.com/presse/pressemitteilungen/2022/deutsche-bahn-und-bundesregierung-einigen-sich-auf-die-einrichtung-des-sondervermoegens-fuer-infrastruktur-und-klimaneutralitaet-svik.html
[4] Deutsche Bahn, "Deutsche Bahn und Bundesregierung einigen sich auf die Einrichtung des Sondervermögens für Infrastruktur und Klimaneutralität (SVIK)" (2022), [online] available at: https://www.deutschebahn.com/presse/pressemitteilungen/2022/deutsche-bahn-und-bundesregierung-einigen-sich-auf-die-einrichtung-des-sondervermoegens-fuer-infrastruktur-und-klimaneutralitaet-svik.html
[5] Deutsche Bahn, "Deutsche Bahn will den Klimaschutz aktiv mitgestalten" (2021), [online] available at: https://www.deutschebahn.com/presse/pressemitteilungen/2021/deutsche-bahn-will-den-klimaschutz-aktiv-mitgestalten.html
- The Greens, in the aftermath of Richard Lutz's departure as Deutsche Bahn CEO, have advocated for substantial investments in Germany's railway network, following criticisms of the previous black-red coalition government's approach.
- Verlinden, deputy leader of the Greens, suggests that the Special Fund for Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality (SVIK), part of a record €115 billion government investment package in 2025, could potentially fund these necessary rail investments.
- The focus of the Greens' proposals includes improving the reliability and punctuality of the existing rail network, as well as replacing diesel engines with climate-friendly alternatives and implementing reforms in rail management and operations.
