The German Federal Network Agency has revoked its approval of the earlier track access charge (TAC) increase for the 2026 timetable year. In practice, this means that Germany has 12% lower TACs with immediate effect. Freight operators will also receive refunds for overpayments since the new TACs entered into force.
The decision by the Federal Network Agency to revoke the latest TAC increase follows a verdict by the European Court of Justice. It ruled that Germany’s TAC system, which featured a price cap for regional passenger transport, was contrary to EU law. The structure forced long-distance passenger rail and rail freight to pay more. Those extra payments had to compensate for what regional passenger rail did not and could not pay.
Several affected rail companies, as well as infrastructure manager DB InfraGO, went to court over the system. The ECJ subsequently determined on 19 March that Germany could not favour regional passenger rail in this way.
With the Federal Network Agency’s decision to revoke the latest TAC change, rail freight will pay 12% less. Long-distance passenger rail will pay 17% less, and regional passenger rail will pay 9% more. Refunds are also on the agenda for all overpaid charges since the new TACs went into effect. These will total around 400 million euros for freight and long-distance passenger rail taken together.
No cure for systemic problems
The German rail freight association Die Guterbahnen characterises the revocation of the TAC system as a breather. Still, it says, there is no reason for relief.
“The industry is getting a breather — nothing more. Rail freight and shippers are threatened with renewed increases in track access charges just before Christmas”, commented Oliver Smock, Senior Consultant at the association.
“With its decision today, the Federal Network Agency has corrected one of the most serious flaws in the track access charge system, despite considerable resistance. This was a necessary measure, but it is not a cure. It is all the more incomprehensible that the Federal Ministry of Transport has yet to present a viable reform proposal for a reliable and competitive track access charge.”
Charges
As of the time of writing, the Federal Network Agency has approved a kilometre charge (pre-subsidy and applicable to a “standard” freight train) of 3.81 euros. This is 12% lower than the previous charge.
In December 2025, DB InfraGO applied for a TAC of 4.43 euros per kilometre. DB InfraGO could possibly apply for a new charge of 3.81 euros per kilometre, Die Güterbahnen says.
