Brand at U1 sparked public anger: Viennese lines in criticism

Brand at U1 sparked public anger: Viennese lines in criticism

After the fire incident on the U1 underground line in Vienna, a Heating Political Scharmützel is emerging. The Viennese opposition took the opportunity to make Vienna Lines AG clear allegations. Not only is the fire event, but also on the catastrophic situation when expanding the U2 and U5.

On Tuesday, November 19, the fire, which caused immense excitement. The next day there was a decisive council meeting, in which the Greens appeared with a focus on the "cost explosion" during the U2/U5 building. They demanded clear information about cost development from Finanzstadt councilor Peter Hanke (SPÖ), which has now risen from 1.23 billion euros in 2016 to 2.4 billion euros.

demands of the Greens

Peter Kraus, the chairman of the Green Vienna, commented concern about the considerable delays in the subway expansion and emphasized that the population was dissatisfied. With 42 questions to the city government, they want to create more clarity and make sure that the Viennese have trust in public transport infrastructure again.

"The Viennese love their publications. It is time that the city government brings all the facts to the table," continued Kraus. These requirements are to be understood against the background of the inadequate information regarding the construction qualifications and cost calculations.

fpös sharp criticism

The freedoms took the fire as a hanger for further attacks on the Viennese lines and the city government. FPÖ chairman Dominik Nepg blamed Mayor Ludwig for the miserable situation of public transport. He criticized the crowded subway cars, irregular timetables and the perceived uncertainty of passengers in the wards.

NPP also called for personnel consequences in the management of the Viennese lines and criticized the inadequate modernization measures, despite the steadily increasing ticket prices. "The incompetent leadership must be replaced by qualified transport experts. The Viennese have a right to a functioning and modern public system," emphasized Nepp.

he also pointed out the catastrophic progress in the U2/U5 expansion and found that the U2 has been closed for over three years, while the opening for autumn 2023 still remains in the balance. "The expansion of the U5 develops into a disaster; the costs are striking and the delays continue," he added.

The fire incident and the associated questions about security and efficiency of Viennese public transport remain the top priority in the political discussion. The focus on the grievances among the Viennese lines and the persistent problems in the subway expansion will continue to play an important role in the political agenda in the future. For more information on the fire and the public discussion, See the report on www.meinbezirk.at .