Rail Freight Transport – Proportional Financing of Fees in Service Facilities with a Focus on Single Wagon Transport

The funding program targets operators and users of rail freight transport (RFT) service facilities in Germany. The aim is to strengthen the competitiveness of RFT, especially single wagon transport, and contribute to the 2030 Climate Protection Program.

Proportional user fees for specific infrastructures in rail freight transport are funded. The program focuses on supporting operational costs that are essential for handling single wagon transport.

The funding is provided as a non-repayable grant, the amount of which is calculated dynamically based on available budget funds and applied fees. The funding period extends over several network timetable periods.

Specific legal and administrative conditions apply to the application and use of the funding. This includes, among other things, requirements for applying, retention obligations, and regulations on cumulation with other aid.

The application process for the proportional financing of fees in rail freight transport is clearly structured. It involves written submission to the competent granting authority, followed by an approval and disbursement process in disbursement mode.

The funding program is anchored in clear legal foundations that ensure its legitimacy and compliance with European state aid rules. The relevant guideline was issued by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure and approved by the European Commission.