The EU allows the federal government to distribute corona aid to railway companies. This should also support competitiveness with other modes of transport.
The competition watchdogs of the EU Commission have approved corona aid for railway companies decided by the federal government.
As the Brussels authority announced on Friday, it is about support worth more than 2.5 billion euros. It is granted in the form of a reduction in the fees that companies in freight and long-distance passenger transport pay for access to the rail infrastructure.
“The measures approved today will help rail freight and passenger rail companies in Germany to cope with the difficult situation caused by the corona pandemic,” said the responsible Vice President Margrethe Vestager. They should also help to maintain the competitiveness of rail transport with other modes of transport in order to achieve European environmental and climate protection goals.
“The Commission has found that the measures bring advantages for the environment and mobility, as they promote rail transport, which is less polluting than road freight transport, and at the same time reduce traffic jams,” said the authority’s communication. From the authority’s point of view, they are also proportionate and necessary in order to achieve the intended promotion of the shift in traffic from road to rail.
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
