Dirk Flege, Managing Director of the Pro-Rail Alliance, told the German Press Agency: “The amendment to the law is the first step in the promised rail reform. So far, the federal government’s responsibility for financing has stopped at the edge of the platform.” Now federal funds could also be spent on waiting rooms in train stations or for monument protection. “These are improvements that will resonate with people in the coming years. The pressure on the Deutsche Bahn AG, “unprofitable” station buildings will finally be sold off,” said Flege.
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The Ministry emphasized that the draft law implements a key requirement of the “Rail Acceleration Commission”. The Commission’s report with industry representatives said that rail infrastructure financing was complex. It delays the implementation of construction measures. For example, federal grants are only possible for the maintenance and for the expansion and new construction of infrastructure, but not for plant maintenance – “with the result of driving to wear and tear”.