Influenza outbreak forces Linz AG lines to operate special timetables

2023-10-10 13:22:00

In the past few days, the number of sick leaves among the staff responsible for the smooth running of public transport in Linz has skyrocketed to such an extent that management now has to take action.

A flu epidemic is raging among the approximately 400 bus and tram drivers in the city of Linz. “The number of sick leaves has gradually increased in the past few days, so the timetable has to be adjusted,” said Linz AG press spokeswoman Susanne Gillhofer to the OÖN.

However, school and commuter traffic will remain largely unaffected by the fact that a so-called adjusted special timetable will come into force from tomorrow, Wednesday. It is impossible to predict how long this will be in effect, but those responsible are hoping that the measure will be temporary and that many sick days will no longer last. The adjusted timetable will apply “until further notice”.

This measure is a first. Even during the Corona pandemic, such a special timetable has never had to be implemented as a result of a wave of illness.

What does the special timetable mean?

In the special timetable, the intervals for tram lines 1, 2, 3 and 4 as well as the trolleybus lines and bus lines 11, 12, 19, 27 and 33 are “partially stretched”. This means that a vehicle will drive on the respective route not every five minutes, but only every ten minutes. School and commuter traffic should remain largely unaffected because the special timetable would be used primarily during off-peak hours. To the Buses and trams will continue to run as frequently as possible during rush hour in the morning and later followingnoon hours.

During the duration of the special timetable, information regarding the timetable or interval is provided by the DFI (digital passenger information) displays directly at the stops, according to Linz AG Linien.