Our inner ambition
A strong rail system in Germany is our inner ambition. It helps our country to overcome existential challenges:
- For the climate. No other motorized means of transport today is as climate-friendly and takes up less space on average than rail transport. No other means of transport is overall as electromobile and thus as low in greenhouse gas emissions as rail transport, which has the largest market share of e-mobility in Germany. Nor can any other means of mass transport achieve a 100% share of renewable energies so quickly – by 2038 we want to convert the DBtraction current mix completely to green electricity. A strong rail system is thus an essential prerequisite for meeting the climate protection targets of the Federal Government and the EU because a reduction in emissions in the transport sector cannot be achieved without a massive expansion of the climate-friendly rail transport. A strong rail system is a key source of hope for our climate. Specifically, the shift in the mode of transport through a strong rail system means the following for the climate: annual savings of up to 10.5 million t CO₂, which corresponds to the annual CO₂ footprint of about one million people in Germany.
- For the people. By 2050, almost 85% of the population in Germany will live in metropolitan areas, compared to just over 77% at the beginning of the 2020s. One consequence: the growing amount of passenger and freight transport will present our cities and conurbations with even greater logistical, social and ecological challenges than they already do today. The situation is different in many rural areas, where maintaining individual mobility opportunities is becoming a key challenge. A strong rail system can continue to enable lively urban coexistence and connect rural regions in the future, as it will continue to enable real freedom of movement and travel time that can be used in a variety of ways without wasting valuable time. In concrete terms, the targets of a strong rail system mean the following for the people: a doubling of volume sold in long-distance passenger rail transport and thus the equivalent of four million car journeys and 12,000 fewer air passengers in Germany per day.
- For the economy. Demand for the transport of goods will continue to rise steadily in the coming decades. At the same time, commuting to work as transport from the outskirts of metropolitan areas and the flexibilization of work locations and times will result in stronger demand for work-related mobility. With a strong rail system, this increasing volume of traffic can be managed and economic growth is possible. A strong rail system is thus a crucial competitive factor for Germany’s future economic success. It should secure Germany’s position as one of the leading export nations. In concrete terms, the targets of Strong Rail mean the following for the economy: growth in the modal share of rail freight transport in Germany to 25%. This corresponds to about 13 million fewer truck journeys per year on German roads.
- For Europe. Germany has a special responsibility for the future of Europe. It is the continent’s most populous country and its geographical and economic heart. As a result of this role, Germany must be a role model and pioneer to drive forward the realization of European goals. Climate protection, jobs, economic growth, social prosperity: much depends on Germany’s and Europe’s transport routes remaining future-proof. Strong Rail should be the necessary link between East and West and North and South. It is not only an important instrument for cultural understanding between the individual countries. It is also a crucial factor in jointly achieving the goals that have been set. Specifically, Strong Rail for Europe means achieving the goal of a common realization of a European network.