Eisenbahn-Bundesamt (EBA)

The Federal Railway Authority (Eisenbahn-Bundesamt, EBA) is an independent German federal authority under the technical and legal supervision of the Federal Ministry of Transport. It acts as the supervisory and approval authority for federally owned railways as well as for non-federally owned railway companies that require a safety certificate or approval. Furthermore, the EBA is the granting authority for funding programs in rail transport, such as for the construction and expansion of rail connections, the financing of service facilities in freight transport, and the equipping of vehicles with ERTMS/ATO in the Digital Stuttgart Rail Hub. Its additional responsibilities include the enforcement of passenger rights.

The Federal Railway Authority aims to ensure the safety, efficiency, and environmental compatibility of the German railway system. Through technical and legal supervision, the issuance of necessary approvals, and the financing of forward-looking infrastructure and vehicle projects, it promotes a reliable, innovative, and sustainable rail transport.

The funding programs and supervisory as well as approval activities of the EBA are aimed at federal railway companies and private railway undertakings that require a safety certificate or approval. The target group also includes operators of rail connections and service facilities in rail freight transport, as well as manufacturers and holders of rail vehicles who benefit from funding measures such as ERTMS/ATO equipment in the Digital Stuttgart Node.