DB Netze Track business unit

Business model

With more than 33,000 km of track, DB Netze Track operates the largest railway network in Europe. More than one billion train-­path kilometers are traveled each year on the tracks in Germany. The most important sources of income are revenues from train-­path products, which constitute over 90% of total revenues. Train-­path prices are established on a transparent basis by a train-­path pricing system regulated by the BNetzA.

DB Netze Track is also responsible for managing infrastructure operations as well as for securing long-­term infrastructure quality and availability, and non-­discriminatory access to train-­paths and service facilities. This includes preparing schedules in close cooperation with customers, operations management, construction management and maintenance.

The cost structure is dominated by fixed costs. The rail net­­work is one of the most important cost drivers. The use of resources for the operation and maintenance of infrastructure facilities is very much influenced by specific facility characteristics, requirements relating to operational opening hours and the degree of rationalization in operating business activities. As the dimensions of the infrastructure only change in the long term due to new construction or expansion projects or targeted dismantling, the optimal capacity utilization of the existing infrastructure is of major importance for economic success.

A high level of quality and availability for customers also calls for a forward-­looking, integrated capital ­expenditures and predictive maintenance strategy. Capacity utilization is measured by train kilometers on track infrastructure. In terms of relative network capacity utilization, this figure can be compared to the length of line operated. To reach our growth target of an increase of more than 30% in train-­path kilometers, it is essential that new and expansion projects concentrate on removing bottlenecks and on the creation of additional capacity for growth in transport in the main corridors and metropolitan areas.

In particular, the contributions made by the Federal Govern­ment for infrastructure financing are decisive for ensuring the competitive ability of rail transport. An entrepreneurial-­driven infrastructure integrated within DB Group is also crucial to continue to be able to make our own, high contribu­tion to the cofinancing of these infrastructure measures. The budgetary resources of public authorities, in particular the Federal Government, are of considerable relevance for the financing of replacement capital expenditures in the existing infrastructure, as well as for the financing of new and expansion projects.