ZVEI Calls for 5.5 Billion Euros for the Digitalization of the Rail Sector
The guaranteed funding for ETCS retrofits ends in 2030, but the funding needs extend through 2037. To date, less than two percent of the federal rail network has been equipped with ETCS.
According to the ZVEI, the digitization of Germany’s rail transport system faces the risk of a funding gap starting in 2030. This affects the retrofitting of existing rolling stock to the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and the European Train Control System (ETCS). The funding currently guaranteed expires in 2030, while numerous projects will take significantly longer to complete.
According to the ZVEI, the Federal Ministry of Transport has estimated that 5.5 billion euros in funding will be needed for rolling stock retrofitting through 2037. The association is therefore calling on the federal government to provide the necessary commitment appropriations by that date.
One reason for the long project durations is the certification process. First, a so-called “first-of-class” vehicle from each series is equipped with ETCS and tested. Only after it has been certified can the series retrofitting of the remaining vehicles begin. Without funding beyond 2030, the association believes there is a risk that while prototypes may be funded, the subsequent retrofitting of entire fleets will not be guaranteed.
Germany has so far lagged significantly behind in ETCS expansion: According to the ZVEI, less than two percent of Germany’s federal rail network is equipped with the technology. Luxembourg already has full ETCS coverage, and the Swiss standard-gauge network is largely equipped accordingly.
Although the existing funding guidelines allow for project durations extending beyond 2030, the ZVEI believes it is crucial that budgetary funds for the subsequent years be bindingly allocated today.
