General framework
Train-path fees for 2024
By resolution dated August 7, 2023, the Federal Network Agency approved the fees for the 2024 train-path pricing system (TPS). The increase in train-path usage fees is 3.5% for long-distance rail passenger transport, 2.0% for rail freight transport and 3.0% for regional rail passenger transport. Prior to this, the Federal Network Agency reopened the remuneration procedure completed by resolution dated March 30, 2023. The reason for this decision was the ninth amendment to the Regionalization Act, which entered into force on April 25, 2023, and, contrary to the decision of the Federal Network Agency, provided for an increase in fees in regional rail passenger transport of just 1.8% for the 2023/2024 schedule year. Ultimately, however, the originally approved increase of 3.0% in regional rail passenger transport was also confirmed by the new resolution.
Station fees for 2024
On September 28, 2023, following changes to the legal context (amendment to the Railway Regulation Act), the 2024 station fees were approved by resolution of the Federal Network Agency. The Federal Network Agency approved the 2024 station fees with a small number of deductions. Overall, average price increases of 1.82% (regional rail passenger transport) and 2.56% (long-distance rail passenger transport) were approved.
Arbitration processes for the Rastatt Tunnel
In September 2017, DB Group and the Rastatt Tunnel working group (ARGE) agreed to conduct an evidence-gathering and arbitration procedure to clarify the causes and the associated responsibility. The process was suspended on a provisional basis for settlement negotiations between the parties on the basis of an interim report from the technical arbitration expert on the causes of the accident and a proposal from the legal expert on the allocation of responsibilities. The parties are seeking an overall agreement, which will take at least until June 2025. The further construction and renovation of the damaged area have been disassociated from the arbitration process. The work of the working group has now been completed with the exception of the restoration of the east piping. The Rhine Valley rail line was temporarily relocated in spring 2022 in order to be able to renovate the damaged east piping from above via an open excavation pit. The excavation pit has been created, the earthing has begun and demolition of the tunnel boring machine and new tunnel construction started in 2024. Settlements were concluded with the TOCs affected by the line closure as a result of the accident (in consultation with the working group and its insurance companies).