Salzburg decides today: Pro and contra of the city regional railway S-Link

Salzburg decides today: Pro and contra of the city regional railway S-Link

On today's voting day, it is not only about the S-Link alone, but also a more comprehensive “Salzburg mobility solution” that includes several sub-projects, including two tracker railways and an adaptation of regional bus traffic. The question of the ballot is the question: "Should the state of Salzburg work to ensure that the extension of the local railway to Hallein (S-Link) is realized as part of the mobility solution in the interest of traffic relief?" In order to help the voters, the city and country have provided comprehensive information materials.

political support and resistance

Among the political factions there is broad support for the S-Link project. However, the parties build their consent to the result of this survey. The Social Democrats in particular express concerns, whereby the mayor of Salzburg, Bernhard Auinger, emphasizes the financial risks that a building could bring with it.

supporters, on the other hand, emphasize the opportunities that the project could offer. Governor Wilfried Haslauer (ÖVP) emphasizes that the federal government is ready to bear half of the costs. "We have the chance to get 50 percent of the costs from the federal government. If we do not access it, the money is gone," he warns, emphasizing the need for this project to combat traffic jams in the city. Initiatives such as "for this" support the S-Link and mobilize a person from politics, business and science.

On the other hand, there are numerous critics who call the S-Link as a "billion dollar grave". Initiatives such as "Stop U-Bahn" and "Pro Natur" argue that the money should be better invested in other traffic projects. Many residents are concerned about possible damage to their real estate during construction work, and hoteliers and traders fear for their business.

The challenges of traffic stress

The need to rethink in transport is undeniable. After all, 60,000 commuters and 60,000 inland commuters commute to Salzburg every day, which leads to an enormous volume of traffic. The managing director of the Salzburg Transport Association, Johannes Gfrerer, makes it clear: "The publications in Salzburg are currently stuck in the traffic jam. We urgently need solutions."

The vote today could have far -reaching consequences for mobility in the region. The different points of view reflect the complex discussion about traffic projects in urban areas, in which both economic and ecological aspects play a role. However, there is no finished plan for alternative measures in the event of a rejection of the project.

For further insights into the ongoing debate and the importance of the S-Link path for mobility solution, take a look at the detailed reporting at www.kleinezeitung.at .