Regional railways: federal government and Upper Austria are in constructive negotiations on equal terms The aim is sustainable operation and financing of regional connections
Against the backdrop of budgetary consolidation, the federal government and ÖBB have announced discussions with the state of Upper Austria regarding the future operation of the Almtalbahn, Hausruckbahn, and the northern part of the Mühlkreisbahn railway connections. At the heart of these discussions are questions of long-term financing and the adaptation of public transport services to passenger demand.
During his federal state tour in Upper Austria on 30 June, Mobility Minister Peter Hanke engaged in initial talks with Governor Thomas Stelzer and State Councillor for Transport Günther Steinkellner at the highest political level. In this constructive exchange on an equal footing, initial progress in negotiations was achieved for the benefit of the people of Upper Austria. Solutions for all three mentioned regional railways are expected in the coming weeks.
Mobility Minister Peter Hanke on the negotiations: “I am pleased that we are now engaged in constructive discussions with the state of Upper Austria. Our common interest is clear: a sustainably structured public transport system that meets current challenges and facilitates easy movement from A to B for people. Only in this way can the mobility transition succeed together – both in urban and rural areas.”
Governor Thomas Stelzer: “I am glad that we could have constructive discussions about the future of the regional railways. These are lifelines for the regions and are extremely important, especially in a large federal state like Upper Austria – for the people and for the companies.”
State Councillor for Transport Günther Steinkellner: “We are on a good path. The discussions with the federal government and ÖBB are factual and solution-oriented. Our goal is clear: to ensure sustainable, regional mobility in the long term while also reliably advancing key infrastructure projects such as the urban railway.”