The DB InfraGO network timetable for 2025 has been in force since December 15, 2024. Planning for the 2026 timetable will begin shortly: From March 14, 2025, access permit holders can register their desired train paths(first phase of the working timetable preparation). There is a change this year compared to previous years. The so-called “buffer minute” has been introduced on many routes.
The background to this is that the time interval between two trains on the same route is to be increased in future in order to prevent the consequences of minor delays. Between the so-called “blocking time steps” of the train paths used by the trains – i.e. the periods in which the sections of track used are blocked for a particular train – there should then be an additional minute for safety reasons. This buffer minute is not yet being introduced on all routes, but this is the aim in the long term. Exceptions are S-Bahn lines, on which a shorter buffer period of 6 seconds is to apply. This is based on Annex 402.0203A02 from the DB InfraGO AG regulations.
The buffer minute means that fewer train paths can fit on a route in succession in the same period. Capacity conflicts are therefore more likely from the coming working timetable period. DB InfraGO AG had originally intended to respond to this by making changes to the coordination procedure. In the case of applications that only come into conflict with each other because they cannot all be taken into account within the scope of the design leeway in compliance with the buffer minute, only simplified coordination should take place on congested rail routes (ÜLS) in the first phase of the working timetable preparation. Specifically, Guideline 402.0203 should have been amended so that DB InfraGO AG would have unilaterally made alternative offers and examined other solutions proposed by the access permit holders alone. There would not have been a joint discussion between the interested parties with access rights.
However, the Federal Network Agency rejected this change in ex officio proceedings – Ref. BK10-24-0395_Z – with a decision dated 22.11.2024. The usual coordination procedure is now to be used for every conflict, even if the conflict is based on the buffer minute.
We expect the next few months to show whether this concept proves its worth.
Authors: Gisela Hebrant, LL.M. and Sven Plata
