New rails are laid on an old railway line in Hahnenfurt between Wuppertal and Mettmann. (picture alliance/dpa)
The investments in Germany's rail transport are increasing, but the country is still performing poorly by international standards. Last year, 77 euros (86 dollars) per citizen were spent on railway infrastructure, the Pro-Rail Alliance announced on Monday in Berlin.
In 2014, it had been 49 euros per citizen. Since then, investments have increased every year. But in Europe, Germany comes in third to last. The only countries that invested less last year were Spain (29 euros) and France (40 euros).
The front runner was Switzerland with investments amounting to 365 euros per citizen, followed by Austria (218 euros). There, however, tunnel construction is pushing up the spending, among other things.
"We recognise the efforts of the German government and particularly the Ministry of Transport to enhance the railways. But small steps are not enough," the alliance's managing director, Dirk Flege, said Monday.
He called on the government to provide more funds in the 2020 federal budget for environmentally friendly mobility.
Notice: No person, organization and/or company shall disseminate or broadcast the above article on Xinhua Silk Road website without prior permission by Xinhua Silk Road.
A single purchase
