The German government is reportedly working on changing how single wagonload subsidies are being distributed. Rather than being based on planned services, the funds would be allocated according to actual operations carried out.
This was confirmed by a spokesperson from the German ministry of transport to DVZ. The development comes three weeks after the government made €84 million euros available as single wagonload subsidies from a budget surplus, for a total of €384 million euros.
Less money next year
However, next year’s package will be much lower, only €110 million according to the German media. Single wagonload transport is particularly important for Germany’s chemical, steel and automotive sectors, making up 18% of the country’s total rail freight industry. In addition to lower single wagonload subsidies, operators in Germany will have to rely on lower compensation for track access charges.