A scheme of state aid to support the transfer of German freight transport from road- to rail-based routes has been approved by the EC.
The scheme will support rail freight operators to take over management of German freight transport. This is one of the initiatives intended to reduce road congestion and carbon emissions across the EU.
Under the freight transport transference scheme in Germany, rail freight operators will be reimbursed by up to 45 per cent of their track access charges. German rail operators must pay these charges to access the rail network infrastructure. Operators who received the funding will be expected to pass on the savings to their freight shipping customers through lower freight rates. They will be obliged to inform clients of their reduced track access charges.