Status: 18.10.2023, 14:43 PM
By: Nathalie Straub
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The train journey is a regular drama for many. In order to better counteract the unreliability and high ticket prices at Deutsche Bahn, the federal government wants more competition in long-distance transport.
Rail passengers beware – a revolution on the rails could be imminent! According to the plans of the German government, Deutsche Bahn is to receive more competition in long-distance transport in the future, which could lead to noticeably cheaper tickets. This was announced by the rail transport commissioner Michael Theurer (FDP) in an interview with the "Rheinische Post".
Deutsche Bahn clearly dominates on the tracks
Theurer says that a look at countries such as Italy or Spain shows that competition, that competition, can increase quality and at the same time lead to falling prices. Deutsche Bahn currently dominates long-distance transport with a market share of 95 percent, mainly due to ICE and Intercity trains. There is almost only competition from Flixtrain and a few regional providers.
But before more competitors are allowed onto the rails, a massive general overhaul of the rail network is pending, which is planned from 2024 to 2030. During this time, passengers must be prepared for longer travel times and replacement traffic. But after that, the railway promises a more reliable train journey.
General renovation of the rail network of the railway has priority
"In long-distance transport, we want to create more competition with a completely renovated network and sufficient capacity and thus ensure cheaper tickets," says Theurer. The FDP politician assures that everything will be done to offer an attractive rail replacement service during the renovation and to keep the restrictions for passengers as low as possible.
The general renovation will affect 40 highly stressed routes, each of which will be completely closed for about five months and then comprehensively renovated. The federal government is providing an additional 40 billion euros for this purpose. Work will begin next year on the busy Riedbahn between Frankfurt and Mannheim, one of the busiest routes in Europe.
The promise: cheaper prices and higher quality
Deutsche Bahn expects to see noticeable improvements in train reliability once the construction work is completed. As a result of the modernization and planned stronger competition, rail travel should not only be cheaper in the future, but also more reliable. Currently, however, the price trend is going in the opposite direction, because from December onwards, Deutsche Bahn's ticket prices will rise again.
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This article has been edited with machine assistance and carefully checked by volunteer Nathalie Straub before publication.