Train traffic in Austria: ÖBB boss warns of massive problems!

Train traffic in Austria: ÖBB boss warns of massive problems!

ÖBB is facing a massive challenge! ÖBB boss Andreas Matthä announced that from 2026 Austrian train traffic will be severely affected by extensive renovation work by Deutsche Bahn. This work, which is urgently needed to renew the infrastructure, will take the form of diversions, extended travel times and timetable changes. According to Matthä, the patience of the passengers is required during this time, as last year not a single Austrian freight train was on schedule in Germany.

The consequences of these renovations are serious: extensive route closures have been announced for 2026, as well as the years 2027 and 2028. This means permanent difficulties for passenger and freight transport in Austria. Despite maximum utilization of the rail infrastructure, only 80 percent of the current capacities can be guaranteed. Due to these restrictions, freight transport will increasingly be shifted to the roads, which means additional pressure on the transport infrastructure. In Upper Austria, Infrastructure Provincial Councilor Günther Steinkellner sees the A8 to Passau as particularly affected, according to reports ooe.ORF.at.

An appeal to travelers

Matthä emphasizes that around 50 percent of the current delays at ÖBB are caused by difficulties abroad. In order to mitigate the effects of the announced renovations, passengers are asked to find out about possible diversions and timetable changes in good time. A significant shift to alternative modes of transport is expected in the coming years, while rail networks face technical challenges around the clock. The company page Kosmo.at also reports that travelers should be prepared for travel times to be significantly extended while maintaining rail services is under pressure.