Green Party Proposes Federal Guarantees and Reforms to Revitalize Germany's Rail Network

The Green Party in Germany's Bundestag has introduced a comprehensive legislative proposal aiming to rejuvenate the country's rail infrastructure and services. Central to the plan is a federal guarantee to maintain rail services in areas where market operations fail, underscoring the necessity for government intervention where private companies fall short. To enhance train service viability, the proposal advocates lowering track fees on critical routes and empowering the federal government to directly order long-distance trains—a practice currently reserved for regional transport by states. Further measures include extending train lines to better connect underserved regions, and establishing a nationwide federal agency responsible for managing train operations with clear accountability. To increase passenger convenience, the plan calls for implementing a unified ticketing system covering all train services nationwide. The Greens emphasize the importance of efficient rail transport not only for climate protection but also for social equity, insisting that access to quality rail must not be limited solely to profitable corridors. The party sharply criticizes the Schwarz-Rot government for its failure to enact a binding federal long-distance rail law despite constitutional mandates, highlighting insufficient funding and inadequate prioritization of rail projects over road expansions. The Green Party urges immediate governmental action to secure increased investment and strategic planning that will bring the Intercity train service back to many German stations and ensure the rail network meets future mobility needs.