So many stations are accessible without barriers

Austria has a "very high standard in the accessibility of transport stations in international comparison, which is nevertheless continuously being advanced," emphasizes Transport Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ).

Investments in barrier-free accessible stations planned

A barrier-free infrastructure is an essential factor for the independent use of rail transport by people with disabilities and mobility impairments: "With the ÖBB framework plan 2025-2030, the implementation will continue, even if a contribution to budget consolidation had to be made and individual ÖBB projects were postponed or extended in time." The goal is that by the end of the year, 89 percent of daily boarding and alighting passengers can use barrier-free transport stations. At the same time, Hanke wants to invest more in digital measures for accessibility, such as with new monitors. In total, 261.4 million euros are budgeted for accessibility in the framework plan over the next six years.

Greens see "unacceptable condition" at stations

The Greens, on the other hand, pointed out that not even every second station is barrier-free. "This is an unacceptable condition," said Ralph Schallmeiner, the Greens' spokesperson for people with disabilities. "Accessibility on the railway must be rapidly expanded. Cuts are the wrong way here. 90,000 passengers per day are waiting for accessibility at more than half of the stations in Austria," criticized Schallmeiner.

(APA/Red)

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