Railways operate with low emissions and high efficiency. 42 percent of their electricity already comes from renewable energies. In addition, railways are three times more energy-efficient than cars because of the lower rolling resistance of wheels and rails. This reduces the emission of harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) and protects our climate. Only with more rail transport will we succeed in decarbonizing transport.

A short walk to the stop means freedom in the choice of transport. It is not without reason that many people like to live close to a train or subway station, after all, travelling by train saves time and money. For example, if you have public transport close by, you don't have to take your children to school or sports by car. In this way, rail transport contributes to a better quality of life.

Driving by train is much safer than driving a car. This means that traffic safety is another major public benefit of rail transport. Rail transport is also many times safer than road transport, which is why many hazardous goods may only be transported by rail and not by truck.

The way to the station, the movement when changing trains - train drivers live healthier lives. As studies have shown, public transport users have a significantly more active movement profile than people who travel to work by car. Additionally, rail transport emits remarkably less green house gas than other means of transport, which emphasizes its healthy character.

German economy benefits from industrial sectors that lead the world market. The railway industry is one of them: Rail technology "Made in Germany" is a seal of quality for efficient rail transport worldwide. The railway industry and rail transport companies in Germany are also among the largest investors and most important employers. Together, these promising sectors achieve an annual turnover of 50 billion euros.

For around 70 percent of German managers, the connection to public transport is an important location criterion for their companies. As energy prices rise, the advantage of good connection to public transport will increase. Rail transport is three times more energy-efficient.

Almost every fourth job in Germany depends on exports. Without its efficient rail infrastructure, Germany would not be a leading export country. As the main transit country in middle Europe, Germany also benefits from efficient rail freight transport, because the railways are particularly strong in transporting goods over ever longer distances.

Those who import natural gas and oil are economically dependent and susceptible for political blackmailing. The transport sector in Europe is still 96 percent fossil-fuelled. Reducing dependence on oil is an important contribution to security of supply. The railways are the engine of the energy turnaround.

The conurbations are expanding worldwide. Cities and regions are also growing together in Germany and Europe. In terms of surface area, rail is the backbone of public transport. At the same time, the railway is the ideal means of transport for the increasing need of city dwellers for mobility. This is why more and more metropolitan areas are turning to rail.

Environmentally friendly and safe rail transport generates only one third of the "external costs" of road transport per kilometre travelled. These hidden costs are consequential costs that are caused by mobility participants but are borne by health insurance contributions and taxpayers, and in part by future generations. The external costs of transport in Germany amount to 80 billion euros annually.