Tarek Al-Wazir, the chair of the Bundestag’s Transport Committee and a member of the Greens party, welcomed the announcement by railway CEO Evelyn Palla that long-distance ticket prices will be frozen for one year starting May 1st due to the energy crisis.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” on Monday, Al-Wazir stated that the measure “is right and important”. He noted that stable pricing makes train travel uniquely attractive right now, especially given the rising costs of fuel and kerosene, which are making both driving and flying more expensive. He added that the railway remains an accessible and environmentally friendly alternative for everyone.
However, the transport expert immediately tempered this praise by stating that the announcement does not disguise the continued problems of delays and cancellations. Al-Wazir attributed these persistent issues primarily to the poor condition of the existing railway network and a continued lack of expansion or new construction, despite special funding allocations. He concluded with a firm demand that the federal government must finally set the correct priorities and utilize funds in a manner that is both sensible and long-term.