Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania launches new ICE route amid EU rail cost concerns

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is expanding its rail services while facing rising costs from a recent EU court decision. From 15 May, an early-morning ICE train will connect Rostock and Hamburg, funded partly by state investments. Meanwhile, officials warn that new track access fees could strain regional transport budgets by billions.

The new ICE service will depart Rostock at 6:02 a.m. and reach Hamburg Central Station by 8:03 a.m. On the return journey, it leaves Hamburg at 8:10 p.m. and arrives back in Rostock at 10:11 p.m. Passengers can use local transport tickets, including the Deutschlandticket, for these trips. The state allocates €2 million annually to maintain this connection.

Between 2022 and 2025, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania invested €120 million in its mobility initiative, with an extra €60 million added this year. Premier Manuela Schwesig has urged the federal government to provide more funding, especially after the European Court of Justice ruling on track access fees. Schwerin officials now expect significantly higher costs for regional rail operators. The Verkehrsministerium anticipates a surge in passenger numbers due to the new ICE route. However, no concrete data on its impact since 15 May is yet available.

The state's push for better rail links comes at a time of financial uncertainty. Higher track fees from the EU ruling could force operators to spend billions more. Officials continue to seek federal support to keep local transport affordable and efficient.