General framework
Train-path prices for 2024 approved
By resolution dated March 30, 2023, the BNetzA approved the fees for the 2024 train-path pricing system (TPS). Due to the ninth amendment to the Regionalization Act (RegG), which entered into force on April 25, 2023, it is currently not possible to implement the planned increases in the train-path usage fees of 3.5% for long-distance rail passenger transport, 2.0% for rail freight transport and 3.0% for regional rail passenger transport. With the amendment to the RegG, the coupling of the train-path usage fees of the regional rail passenger transport was lifted and capped at 1.8% p. a. for the schedule years 2023/2024 and 2024/2025. The BNetzA subsequently initiated a procedure for possible partial cancellation and new approval of the 2024 TPS. The outcome of the procedure cannot be estimated at the present time.
Initial level and upper limit for overall costs set
By resolution dated March 7, 2023, the initial level of the overall costs of the second regulatory period for DB Netz AG and DB RegioNetz Infrastruktur GmbH was set at a total of € 6,378 million.
Arbitration processes for the Rastatt Tunnel
In September 2017, DB Group and the Rastatt Tunnel working group agreed to conduct an evidence-gathering and arbitration process in order to clarify the causes and therefore to establish responsibility. The proceedings were suspended on a provisional basis for settlement negotiations between the parties on the basis of an interim report from the technical arbitration expert on the causes of the accident and a proposal from the legal expert on the allocation of responsibilities.The parties are seeking an overall agreement, which will take at least another year. The further construction and modernization of the damaged area have been removed from the arbitration process; with the exception of the production of the east piping, the services of the working group have now been completed. The Rhine Valley rail line was temporarily relocated in spring 2022 in order to be able to renovate the damaged east tunnel from above via an open excavation pit. The excavation pit enclosure is currently being built, with the demolition of the tunnel boring machine expected to start in the summer of 2023. The first settlements were concluded with the train operating companies affected by the line closure as a result of the accident (in consultation with the working group and its insurance companies). The working group and its insurance companies initially bear the settlement payments agreed with the train operating companies in the amount of the proposal made by the legal expert.