The new Austrian government coalition, consisting of ÖVP, SPÖ and Neos, is focussing on continuity in the railway sector as part of its united government coalition. This is clear from the published coalition agreement. The coalition is committed to the existing railway infrastructure financing model by means of a framework plan, subsidy agreement and budget pre-charges. The European Train Control System (ETCS) is to be rolled out more quickly and the energy levy for rail transport operating companies is to be abolished. In rail freight transport, a target terminal network strategy for intermodal transport is to be drawn up. Furthermore, federal subsidies for rail freight transport are to be continued. The coalition wants an EU-wide increase in the permissible weight for craneable semi-trailers to 41 t in general. In the agreement, the parties also commit to public transport in order to reduce dependence on cars, particularly in rural areas. The climate ticket is to be retained and remain cost-effective, and the non-discriminatory national booking platform One Mobility is to be developed at an accelerated pace. And when awarding public services, the freedom of choice between direct award and competitive award should be maintained for the purposes of quality, resilience and flexibility. The conditions for a rail vehicle testing and competence centre are to be created for the railway industry.
