Germany : a new railway Act to reinforce and secure the competition
Analysis of Mediarail.be - Signalling technician and railways observer
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15/01/2016
The Federal Minister of Transport Alexander Dobrindt has introduced Wednesday a new railway regulation Act. Non-discriminatory access to the rail network will be strengthened and the tolls of the rail network will be first approved by the Bundesnetzagentur (Federal Network Agency's) before publication. This gives for the railways companies a legal certainty and a necessary business planning for a full period. The aim is to ensure competition and efficiency continuously in the rail sector.
Alexander Dobrindt "we want to strengthen competition in the rail sector. This competition ensures the innovation and quality of the offer - in the interests of rail passengers. Competition needs clear and transparent rules. With the new rail regulation Act, we are creating the framework."
The focus is on a greater transparency of tolls for the use of railway infrastructure and right access without restrictions to competitors :
Approval of infrastructure access fees before their introduction
In the future, the Federal Network Agency will approve the tolls of DB Netz AG before they are published. The jurisdiction of the Federal Agency is thus greatly reinforced.
Incentives for cost reduction
Network operators will be encouraged to reduce infrastructure costs and maintenance costs.
Strengthening the Bundesnetzagentur
The Bundesnetzagentur decision Rooms will now also used for the railway sector.
The focus is on a greater transparency of tolls for the use of railway infrastructure and right access without restrictions to competitors :
Approval of infrastructure access fees before their introduction
In the future, the Federal Network Agency will approve the tolls of DB Netz AG before they are published. The jurisdiction of the Federal Agency is thus greatly reinforced.
Incentives for cost reduction
Network operators will be encouraged to reduce infrastructure costs and maintenance costs.
Strengthening the Bundesnetzagentur
The Bundesnetzagentur decision Rooms will now also used for the railway sector.
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