Regional Railways: Future orientations through Memorandum of Understanding
In the coming months, a joint basis for the future organisation and financing of Upper Austria's regional railways will be developed.
In a coordination meeting between Transport Minister Peter Hanke, Governor Thomas Stelzer, State Councillor for Infrastructure Günther Steinkellner, and ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä, key points concerning the future organisation and financing of Upper Austria's regional railways were discussed. The aim is to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is to be signed in a few months. During this, initial content-related decisions on the Mühlkreisbahn, Almtalbahn, and Hausruckbahn could be discussed:
- Mühlkreisbahn: The operation and infrastructure could in future be taken over in full by the State of Upper Austria. Furthermore, maintaining passenger rail services is being pursued.
- Almtalbahn: A partial takeover of operations by the State of Upper Austria is being examined – Here, maintaining passenger rail services is also being pursued.
- Hausruckbahn: The northern section remains under the current ÖBB operation and will be modernised if necessary, while detailed examinations for the southern section will take place, considering the development of the new Innkreisbahn.
Transport Minister Peter Hanke emphasises: “This initial agreement is a crucial milestone to ensure the future operation of the regional railways under the challenges of budgetary constraints. I have always stressed that a mobility guarantee is my priority. I will continue to conduct the negotiations between the federal government, the State of Upper Austria and ÖBB in a solution-oriented manner and thank the representatives of the State of Upper Austria for the constructive dialogue.”
Transport Councillor Günther Steinkellner underscores the significance of this understanding: “We are facing an important milestone to secure sustainable regional connections. The aim is to create clear perspectives with a Memorandum of Understanding – with regional responsibility, no dismantling, and constructive cooperation between the federal government, the state and ÖBB.”
“For me, it is clear that the regional railways are very important both for the people of Upper Austria and for businesses. That's why I am glad that the talks with the federal government and ÖBB are proceeding very constructively. I am confident that we will work out a Memorandum of Understanding, so the future of the railways can develop positively. This is also of great significance for the attractiveness of Upper Austria as a location for business, employment, and innovation,” says Governor Thomas Stelzer.
ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä stresses: “We all agree that the people on the three Upper Austrian regional railways need a good public transport offer. Now it is important to discuss which offer fits best where and how we can provide efficient transport solutions for commuters, tourists, and the economy in Upper Austria.”
The development of the MoU is to be completed in the coming months and provide a reliable basis for the future shaping of the three mentioned regional railways in Upper Austria.