German TAC lawsuit follows political deal that shields local passenger rail

The German rail sector is heading into a pivotal lawsuit that could decide the future of the country’s track access charges (TAC) policy. Eleven rail companies are suing the Bundesnetzagentur following a planned 16,2 per cent TAC increase. According to them, a federal political deal to shield local passenger rail is hurting other sectors and…

German rail companies start lawsuit after planned 16,2% TAC increase

Eleven German rail companies are going to court over an approved 16,2 per cent track-access charge (TAC) increase. The new TAC rate would go into force from mid-December, but the eleven companies are now aiming to prevent that from happening. The approved 16,2 per cent TAC increase would be a bigger jump than all increases…

Deutsche Bahn does not rule out DB Cargo sale

Deutsche Bahn (DB) does not rule out the sale of its freight subsidiary DB Cargo. Looming EU sanctions over excessive state support are forcing DB to find an escape route. A partial sale of financially underperforming DB Cargo might be on the table. According to Handelsblatt, DB does not rule out a sale of its…

DB Cargo Italia ditches diesel, switches to HVO

DB Cargo Italia is currently in the process of implementing a switch from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel. All diesel-powered locomotives of the company will switch to HVO by the end of the summer. According to DB Cargo, HVO represents a more environmentally friendly and renewable alternative to fossil fuels. The Italian subsidiary…

May rail tours have a “Star Wars” theme

Branch Line Society adopts Star Wars theme for rail tours.