2023-07-06 12:08:36
Check funding models – support railways more so that freight traffic becomes more attractive for business
Vienna (OTS) – Gerhard Tauchner, Chairman of the Railway Department in the vida trade union, is “pleased” with the data published today by the Rail Control Commission, according to which rail passenger transport is once once more on a growth course in terms of passenger and offer data. “The downer here, however, is the still weakening rail freight traffic and the lack of thousands of skilled workers in the railway sector. Politicians and railway companies are required to take the necessary measures quickly. Funding models must be reviewed and adjusted if necessary. Especially with regard to the increasing energy costs, the railways must be supported so that freight transport becomes more attractive for the economy,” demands Tauchner and adds: “We are pleased regarding the great acceptance of the climate ticket and the increasing number of passengers. If the railways are to be part of the solution to the climate crisis, then more railway staff are needed so that the trains can also run.”
In its function as the regulatory authority for railway companies, Schienen-Control continuously improves the general conditions for fair competition, Tauchner continues. “It has long been clear to the industry that the competition does not end with costs and access to the market, but also with training and further education as well as with the salaries of railway employees,” says the vida trade unionist.
As can be seen from the rail control report for 2022, the situation on the railways, in addition to the lack of qualified personnel repeatedly pointed out by the vida union, would now become even worse with a bottleneck in the available rolling stock. “It is therefore important to create clear, uniform framework conditions for the domestic rail network in the areas of training and the technically safe use of vehicles, and to monitor these as well. No one wants to sit on a train that is not regularly checked for serviceability and safety,” emphasizes the trade unionist.
“Since the number of market participants is increasing, it is essential to provide national supervisory authorities such as the rail control, the railway authorities and the transport work inspectorate with more human and financial resources,” affirms Tauchner in conclusion.
Questions & contact:
Union vida/public relations
Hansjörg Miethling
Tel.: 0664 / 6145 733
E-Mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.vida.at
1688645341
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