Ottenschläger/Thaler/Schnöll: "Overcoming borders and creating connections!

2023-08-26 08:03:22

The ÖVP transport politicians are finally calling for a Europe-wide rail system that will link our continent more closely

Vienna (OTS) – “Our vision for Europe needs an integrated transport policy, with the creation of a harmonized European railway network having top priority,” says ÖVP traffic spokesman and member of the National Council Andreas Ottenschläger. “In order to protect our climate and keep Europe economically attractive, technical barriers in cross-border rail traffic must soon be a thing of the past.” There are still considerable difficulties in booking train tickets for travel through Europe. “When booking connections, travelers are often left with tickets from different countries, or some connections from other providers are not even displayed,” says Ottenschläger. It must be possible, for example, for the Vienna – Stuttgart connection by train to become more attractive than the flight. The central location of the train stations, as well as a significantly faster check-in process, would already be beneficial factors in most cities.

“We are investing record sums in expanding the railway infrastructure in our country. The ÖBB master plan envisages investments of €19 billion by 2028. With this sum we are among the best in Europe. However, it is disappointing that we have not yet been able to secure any EU funding for the ETCS expansion and rail digitization, although these measures could make a significant contribution to increasing the performance of the system,” Ottenschläger continued.

And yet, Austria is already playing a pioneering role in the European rail freight sector and there is still a lot of potential, Ottenschläger notes.

“It’s time for the commission to get going. It must be possible to create a uniform European railway area in which all member states agree on uniform standards. The change of engine drivers at intra-European borders must be a thing of the past,” says Ottenschläger. “It is unacceptable that a truck drives through from Madrid to Vienna and the railways are still suffering in terms of efficiency and competitiveness due to national narrow-mindedness,” says Ottenschläger. “The same also applies to passenger transport,” Ottenschläger concludes.

Significance for regions, tourism in Salzburg and transit

“A harmonized European railway network is not only a key to climate protection and strengthening Europe as a business location, but also of essential importance for our regions,” said Stefan Schnöll, deputy governor of Salzburg. “It enables seamless transport and promotes the local economy by creating jobs and increasing accessibility,” said the state councilor responsible for mobility. “Salzburg benefits in particular from improved rail transport. It attracts tourists from all over the world and an efficient rail link can help manage the influx, reduce road traffic and improve the overall public space experience for visitors,” said Schnöll. “Cross-border transit in public transport, especially in regions like Salzburg, is crucial. Technical hurdles and delays at borders are not only costly, they also affect freight traffic and the travel experience. Unfortunately, we get the feeling again every summer that the entire north-south transit rolls through the western federal states on the motorways and represents an enormous burden for all affected communities. It is therefore of the utmost importance that these problems are urgently addressed in order to promote the switch to more environmentally friendly means of transport and to make transit more efficient, in order to significantly relieve the traffic-plagued regions in particular”, said LH-Stv. Fast closing.

European dimension, a summary of the successes and problems of recent years

“In a common Europe, where borders are becoming increasingly irrelevant, it is essential to have a coherent and efficient transport sector,” said Deputy Transport Spokesperson for the EPP Group in the European Parliament, Barbara Thaler. In truth, it already exists on the road and in the air, and both sectors are growing while rail is trapped within its national borders of 25 islands. We have to Europeanize rail if we want to develop its potential. “A harmonized European railway network underlines this vision and not only promotes trade, but also the cultural and social coexistence of the nations,” Thaler continues. An integrated European transport policy lays the foundation for sustainable growth and competitiveness. “The creation of a single European railway area is a symbol of the borderless Europe we are striving for. It enables the free flow of people, goods and ideas and strengthens European identity,” said the MEP. “In addition to promoting cultural connections, a harmonized rail network also promotes economic integration. It facilitates trade, opens markets and offers new opportunities for companies, while reducing dependence on fossil fuels,” concludes Thaler.