Germany's bus and rail networks face collapse without €14bn rescue fund

Germany's regional transport services face severe cuts unless extra funding is secured. The 16 federal states have warned that soaring costs threaten bus and rail networks across the country. A request for €14 billion in additional funds by 2031 was formally made at a recent transport ministers' meeting. At the Conference of Transport Ministers in Lindau, Bavaria, state officials adopted a resolution demanding more money. They called on the federal government to increase regionalization grants, which currently stand at around €12 billion per year. Without this extra support, authorities may have to cancel train services.

Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder did not commit to raising the grants. He argued that the timeline for a decision was too short. The states, however, insisted the funds were essential to prevent service reductions.

The need for extra money follows an EU court ruling that increased track access costs. Hessen has already taken steps to address potential cuts, while other states are pushing for federal compensation. The resolution also ruled out network stabilisation through train cancellations. The states now await a response from the federal government. If no additional funding is provided, bus and rail services could shrink significantly by 2031. The outcome will determine whether current transport levels can be maintained across Germany.