German rail freight breathes a cautious sigh of relief. The industry has managed to avoid a feared and dreaded 35% increase in track access charges (TACs) for 2026. A major success, but next year will likely see some of the same challenges repeated.
A law amendment passed by the German parliament on 13 November prevented a 35% increase in TACs last Sunday, when the new rate came into force. Instead, TACs grew by only 6%. For standard freight trains, which includes trains that do not fall into the categories “very heavy”, “hazardous”, “local freight” or “locomotive journey”, the charges increased by 5%.
Even though the legal changes were approved over a month ago, DB InfraGO tried to stop the new legal limitations to TAC increases. DB InfraGO attempted to push for higher price increases and even bypass parliament, according to rail freight association Die Güterbahnen. That did not succeed – TACs only grew by 6% on Sunday 14 December.
The new kilometre charge for a standard freight train will be 3.93 euros. That is by no means a financial improvement, especially considering that Germany cut the budget for TAC subsidies by 10 million euros for a total of 265 million euros. Companies will pay more and get less compensation for it.
Opportunities and risks in 2026
However, there is a chance that German rail freight can reach close to a net-zero change later in 2026. The law amendment in question stipulates that a subsidy review will take place in spring, which could lead to an increase in TAC subsidies. The increase would be financed through repayments from DB InfraGO to the government, because the infrastructure manager failed to properly implement a restructuring programme. If those repayments turn out high enough, it could offset the 6% TAC increase.
Uncertainty about the new charges lasted up until the last moment. Next year may be no different, with a new battle on TACs on the horizon. DB InfraGO wants them to grow to 5.40 euros per driven kilometre, an increase of almost 40%. Furthermore, Die Güterbahnen explains, a pending European Court of Justice decision on preferential TAC policy for local passenger rail may also change the context for 2027.
“Rail freight cannot rely on parliament standing up to DB InfraGO every year”, comments policy officer at Die Güterbahnen Oliver Smock. “The German track access charge system has spiraled out of control in recent years and would continue to lead to explosive increases. Long-term reliability and prices acceptable in the competitive transport sector can only be achieved with a genuine track access charge reform.”