Hanke and Schumann welcome ÖBB initiative for low-income seniors From 15 April, over 100,000 seniors with compensatory or supplementary allowances benefit from two vouchers from the Austrian Federal Railways
The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) are taking an important step against mobility poverty. From 15 April 2026, over 100,000 seniors who have reached the age of 65 and are entitled to a compensatory or supplementary allowance will have access to two free vouchers for the ÖBB offer. The aim is to enable social participation and affordable mobility throughout Austria, especially for older people with low incomes.
Mobility Minister Peter Hanke commented: “The railway is the backbone of a climate-friendly and social mobility policy. The federal government and ÖBB are investing not only in expanding infrastructure but also in fair and socially balanced prices. This is of particular concern to me because social justice also means mobility justice. Those with low incomes should not be excluded from social life. Visiting grandchildren, meeting friends, or taking a trip to another region of Austria – none of these should be a question of one's wallet.”
Social Minister Korinna Schumann added: “Seniors have worked all their lives and helped build our prosperity. Those with a low pension today think very carefully about whether they can afford a trip at all. It is our responsibility to enable them to lead a dignified and active life in old age. Mobility is a basic need and a prerequisite for social participation. With the railway vouchers, a concrete offer is made possible, making travel within Austria accessible to this group.”
Two free journeys throughout Austria
Senior citizens are particularly affected by the high inflation of recent years. Rising costs for housing, energy, and food significantly restrict financial flexibility. For many, it is hardly possible to travel regularly, visit relatives in other provinces, or take a short holiday in their own country. It is all the more important that ÖBB involves low-income individuals with such offers for accessible mobility.
From 15 April 2026, eligible seniors can have two vouchers for a journey within the ÖBB network credited to their customer account at ÖBB passenger counters or simply book a trip. The vouchers are valid for travel with ÖBB tickets within Austria, with at least part of the journey being made with a long-distance train – Railjet, Eurocity, Intercity or Interregio. This makes it possible, for example, to undertake a free trip to visit relatives or take a day trip to Graz, Klagenfurt, Vienna, Salzburg, or Innsbruck.
The initiative runs until 15 April 2027. Eligible are all seniors who receive a compensatory or supplementary allowance due to their low income and have reached the age of 65 – more than 100,000 people across Austria. These individuals already have the opportunity to obtain a free „Vorteilscard Senior“ from ÖBB, which allows them to travel with ÖBB at a reduced price for a year.