The Rail Freight Forward (RFF) coalition expresses serious concerns over the newly approved cancellation fees set by DB Netz for 2024, which will negatively impact Railway Undertakings (RUs) throughout Europe. The coalition urges DB Netz to reconsider and moderate the proposed Commercial Conditions (cancellation fees) to ensure fair and sustainable operations.
Despite the request for Rolling Planning (RP) within the Timetable Redesign (TTR), DB Netz and other Infrastructure Managers (IMs) have not provided any indication of its implementation. The absence of RP, combined with the new Commercial Conditions, puts RUs in a paradoxical situation, forcing them to choose between high charges for subsequent changes or the risk of not obtaining suitable capacity at all.
RFF coalition requests response on TTR, RP and Commercial Conditions
To avoid significant losses and maintain the modal share of rail freight traffic, the RFF calls on DB Netz to implement RP and moderate the proposed Commercial Conditions. By doing so, DB Netz can demonstrate its commitment to supporting the railway sector and fostering a favorable business environment. The RFF coalition requests a response from DB Netz outlining their position on TTR, including RP, and a timeline for implementation while considering moderation of the Commercial Conditions (cancellation fees).
Click here to read the letter from Dr. Sigrid Evelyn Nikutta