Austria: Revision of railway network expansion plans

Article Abstract:

Richard Schenz, president of the Society of traffic system (GSV), presents a revision of the plans for the expansion of the railway network. According to the revision, the existing Austrian routes should be taken into account for the Wien-Graz-Klagenfurt connection, rather than the Hungarian routes, to strengthen economic development in Austria. Costs could be saved on the route between Graz and Klagenfurt using Slovene territory, thus only a 5km long tunnel at the Radlpa will be necessary, instead of a 30km long tunnel at the Koralm. Another possibility for reducing costs is foreseen in the Donau corridor: Sch 5,4bn could be saved by abandoning plans to upgrade railway stations and to build extra rails for freight trains. In return the Phyrn route should be upgraded because of its importance for the development of the area The GSV further suggests a separation of freight and passenger traffic on the Brenner route, as for freight trains security costs would be minimal. In regards to the funding of the expansion plans, GSV proposes that the railway companies increase the fares and additionally tolls for the use of the rails could be increased. In the case of the Brenner route money could be diverted from road use for the benefit of the rail route with a joint association of road and rail.

New capacity, new plant construction, Railroad Freight Operations, Railroads, Rail freight

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AUSTRIA: NEW LOYALTY SCHEME BY OBB

Article Abstract:

In March 2000 OBB launched a Business Card, which involves discounts of 15% for those travelling for no less than EUR 1,000 per year. Those spending more than EUR 7,000 per year get a special bonus. With the transferable Business Card, tickets can be bought at OBB counters and via internet (www.oebb.at) with a PIN code, in which case payment takes place by monthly invoice. The computer printout serves as a ticket. Until now tickets ordered via internet had to be booked no less than 4 days in advance and were sent by post against cash on delivery or credit card payment. Train tickets booked with the Business Card cannot be cancelled, and no seat bookings can be made.

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AUSTRIA: QUARREL OF RAILWAY AND ADMINISTRATION

Article Abstract:

Austria's railway company OBB is demanding a total of Sch 1.4bn worth of subsidies for new passenger carriages. Sch 350mn each is to come from the federal state of Vienna and Lower Austria, which have refused because OBB was unwilling to disclose details on the kind and number of carriages. In reaction, OBB stopped the construction work for the S7 fast suburban rail link to Vienna airport. Vienna and Lower Austria regard OBB's move as an act of blackmail and will check every single railway project for their best possible advantage. There are even considerations to take the operation of regional transport services in eastern Austria away from OBB and give the contract to another company, e.g. Badner Bahn.

Legal issues & crime

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