At a media event at Innsbruck train station, Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens) saw Austria’s position as the “central hub of Europe” consolidated. ÖBB boss Andreas Matthä was pleased regarding a “completely new quality in long-distance transport”. The new trains connect Germany, Austria and Italy and are an “important signal for Europe”.
Image: (APA/EVA MANHART)
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Image: (APA/EVA MANHART)
In total, ÖBB has invested a “record sum” of 6.1 billion euros in new trains in recent years, Matthä calculated following the train pulled into the station to the accompaniment of music. The first eight of these would now be in use until autumn. An increase in passengers was the reason for the investments. Kogler also highlighted the funding for public transport in connection with climate protection. The motto is “not another six-lane highway,” but instead “shift billions.” However, private transport remains important, Kogler admitted – there are high subsidies for e-mobility here.