Category: subsidies

Who (and why) gains from Germany’s €1.7 billion single wagonload fund?

With single wagonload transport being one of the most fragile and volatile services offered by the rail freight industry, the 1.7 billion euros that Germany will pour into it sounded like music to the ears of logisticians. Nevertheless, soon, joy was overtaken by doubt, considering reports claiming that DB Cargo would be the primary beneficiary…

Spain allocates an additional 43,5 million euros for eco subsidies

Spain has allocated an additional 43,5 million euros for eco-incentive subsidies. With the subsidies, Spain intends to promote rail freight based on environmental and socioeconomic merit. The eco-incentive subsidies were introduced after a deal with the European Commission (EC) on the release of funds from the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Earlier, the EC wanted Madrid…

Austria starts 250,000 euro support scheme for single wagon transport in Tyrol

Austria has started a 250,000 support scheme for single wagon transport in Tyrol, bordering Italy. The programme has been in effect since 1 April. It is not supposed to be a one-time love affair with rail as it aims at a long-term modal shift breakup with the road. The scheme aims at “greater efficiency, a…

Millions in EU subsidies for port of Antwerp rail bridge renovation

The European Commission will provide 23 million euros for the renovation of the ‘Lillobrug’ rail bridge in the port of Antwerp. The bridge is an important infrastructure link for the chemical industry and container terminals in the area. However, it was decommissioned in 2019 after material fatigue of the bridge. The ‘Lillobrug’ is the only […]

After cutting subsidies, Germany also increases track access charges

DB InfraGo, which took over Germany’s rail network management effective January 2024, plans to increase track access charges by 13,4 per cent starting December 2024. The decision follows a substantial 49 per cent cut in subsidies for track access fees, which will probably occur during 2024. Peter Westenberger, managing director of the association DIE GÜTERBAHNEN, […]

Dutch government to provide 24 million in ERTMS subsidies

The Dutch government will provide subsidies amounting to 24 million euros for the adaptation of rail vehicles to level 2, baseline 3 or higher of the European Train Control System (ETCS). The regulation is aimed at curbing the negative impact of ERTMS upgrade costs incurred by operators, which do not stand to benefit financially from […]