Subsidy for Annual Pass of Wiener Linien Remains After All
This was announced by Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) to the APA on Friday. Initially, it was planned to end the corresponding support. Affected individuals could have purchased the new "Special Annual Pass" for 300 euros. The Association of the Blind had harshly criticized the budget measure.
Vienna Public Transport Annual Pass Remains Free for the Blind and Deaf
"Mobility is a central prerequisite for social participation. We are committed to the free annual pass for severely visually impaired, blind, and deaf people," emphasized Ludwig: "Vienna is and remains the capital of social cohesion - and we demonstrate this with this decision." According to the mayor, around 2,700 people are currently supported through the Vienna Social Fund (FSW).
The new special annual pass is also an offer that could allow more people with disabilities to benefit from affordable mobility in the future, he highlighted. It is valid from January 1, 2026. The ticket can be obtained with a degree of disability of 70 percent.
Opposition Criticizes Lack of Planning in City Hall
The reversal caused ridicule among the opposition - as the increase in the local tax had already been partially softened. FPÖ leader Dominik Nepp accused Ludwig of being unreliable: "In truth, he is only putting out the fire he started himself." Green leader Judith Pühringer and Green club chairman Georg Prack stated: "This is aimlessness and lack of planning in pure form." ÖVP club chairman Harald Zierfuß recognized a pattern: "Initially, they try to get the maximum and squeeze everyone - and when the pressure becomes too great, they backtrack."
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.