The Monopolies Commission welcomes the new rail strategy presented today by Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder. It contains many proposals that the Commission has been putting forward for many years in its sector reports. The new agenda therefore marks an important step towards a genuine fresh start for the rail sector.

“The announced greater unbundling of DB InfraGO within the DB Group sends the right signal. By transferring further responsibilities for the infrastructure to InfraGO and abolishing the infrastructure board at DB AG level, the conditions for effective competition will be strengthened,” emphasises Tomaso Duso, Chair of the Monopolies Commission. 

The Commission also views the new governance concept positively. Duso emphasises: “With clear, binding guidelines and transparent long-term funding, the federal government can steer the DB Group in a more targeted manner than before. This will enable punctuality and quality targets to be enforced for the benefit of passengers,” Duso continues.  

The Monopoly Commission regards the planned strengthening of the DB AG Supervisory Board – with greater technical expertise and less political influence – as a key component of the reform. An independent and competent supervisory body is necessary to effectively support the railway’s management and drive forward urgently needed changes.

Commenting on the importance of competition on the railways, Duso noted: “In our view, mobilising the entire rail sector is the key to vibrant and innovative competition. The new rail strategy provides important impetus in this regard, for example by strengthening the Sector Advisory Board and ensuring fair access conditions for all rail transport companies.”

Overall, the Monopolies Commission recognises the new rail strategy as a solid foundation for necessary reforms, but urges swift implementation. “The new rail strategy addresses key reform proposals, but what will be decisive is its actual implementation. So far, these have been the Minister’s ideas – it now remains to be seen whether these reforms will in fact be consistently put into practice,” concludes Duso.