Frequent delays and long travel times are currently annoying for commuters in the Weinviertel region of Lower Austria. They feel that their concerns are not being taken seriously and are now even starting their own citizens’ initiatives. Politicians and public transport companies are now responsible!
An official road closure there, a construction site there – and lots of delays around it. The domestic public transport network is not in the news. And as the commuters riot, you hear nothing from the responsible councilor of state, Ludwig Schleritzko.
Especially the track replacement service between the stations Wolkersdorf and Laa an der Thaya in the Weinviertel is stirring things up. Citizens’ movements are already forming on social media: “We want to be a non-political link for commuters. Our concerns are not taken seriously enough at the state or federal level. We don’t even talk about the ÖBB anymore,” it reads.
The situation in the northeast of the country has been deteriorating for a long time. It was especially bad last week, according to one driver: “I needed more than three hours for the route from Laa to Vienna. In that time I could almost be in Salzburg.”
Little hope for improvement
An improvement in rail replacement services has since been achieved, but hopes for a sustainable solution to the problem are fading. Karl Mechtler, spokesperson for the Ladendorf commuter initiative, explains: “Women in particular find it very difficult to combine the double burden of work and family with the current timetables. As various reports show, sometimes they have to get up at 3:30 am to use public transport.”
While some fear a wave of emigration from the region, others still hope for improvements in the public transport situation. Construction work on various sections of the railway will last until September 4 – in the Weinviertel, apparently, nothing will happen any time soon.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
