“More quality, falling prices”
Railway representative wants competitive pressure on DB
October 16, 2023, 9:23 a.m
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Deutsche Bahn has almost a monopoly in long-distance transport. According to rail commissioner Theurer, this should change after the planned general renovation of the rail network. He only expects benefits from this.
According to the federal government’s wishes, Deutsche Bahn should have more competition in long-distance transport after the general renovation of the network. This should also lead to cheaper tickets, as rail commissioner Michael Theurer made clear in the “Rheinische Post”. With its ICE and Intercity trains, the state-owned company is almost a monopolist in long-distance transport with a market share of 95 percent; There is competition primarily from Flixtrain. From 2024 to 2030, the network’s most important corridors are to be completely renovated.
“We want to create more competition in long-distance transport with a completely renovated network and sufficient capacity and thereby ensure cheaper tickets,” said FDP politician Theurer. A look at other countries such as Italy or Spain shows “that competition leads to more quality and falling prices”.
During the renovation, those involved did everything they could to offer an attractive replacement rail service and thus keep the restrictions for travelers as limited as possible, said Theurer. The general renovation affects 40 heavily used routes. They are to be completely closed for around five months and then completely renovated and upgraded. The federal government wants to make almost 40 billion euros available for this purpose.
Work will begin next year on the so-called Riedbahn between Frankfurt and Mannheim. It is one of the busiest routes in Europe. The railway therefore expects noticeable improvements in reliability after completion of the construction work there. Unlike long-distance transport, the railway has numerous competitors in regional and freight transport. According to data from the Federal Network Agency, they make up a third of the offer in regional transport, and more than half in freight transport.