Numerous reports of traffic jams on the radio, overcrowded streets, sluggish morning traffic: It was a Monday morning when everything came together – according to Asfinag spokesman Christoph Pollinger. “Many switched to the car because of the strikes in Germany. Then there was the bad weather, and it was the beginning of the week.”
No wonder that yesterday morning there was a standstill on many of the main connections, for example on the way via the Deutsches Eck. At midnight, Germany’s Verdi union and the railway and transport union began a 24-hour warning strike to increase pressure on wage negotiations.
Rail replacement well organized
In rail traffic, many commuters should have informed themselves regarding the rail replacement service at the weekend. “Of course there are delays because you travel faster on the rails than on the roads. Especially with the early hours. But the offer was very well received, there was no chaos at the stations – that’s what you would have originally expected.” , says Klaus Baumgartner from ÖBB.
Since Thursday, travelers have been informed regarding the planned strikes in Germany, “so everyone was able to react in good time. ÖBB also advised that unnecessary journeys should be postponed,” says Baumgartner.
In Upper Austria, the route from Schärding to Passau was particularly affected, and replacement buses were also provided for commuters. The Railjet, which represents the long-distance connection from Vorarlberg via Tyrol, further via the Deutsches Eck to Salzburg, Linz and Vienna, was interrupted on the route between Kufstein and Salzburg Hauptbahnhof.
No strike planned for Easter
It wasn’t just rail traffic that had to contend with severe restrictions yesterday. The effects of the strike in Germany were also clearly felt at the Blue Danube Airport in Hörsching. Flights to and from Frankfurt were canceled yesterday, Monday, without replacement.
According to information from Vienna Airport, all flight connections between Vienna and Munich, Frankfurt, Nuremberg and Stuttgart were canceled – a total of 28 outward and 27 return flights were cancelled. It is unclear whether further strike days are to be expected. The following-effects of yesterday’s strike will probably still be felt today.
All those who have planned a trip over the holidays have the all-clear: According to their own statements, the union is not planning any strikes during the Easter period.
author
Karoline Ploberger
Editor Upper Austria
Karoline Ploberger
