Shock for travelers: ÖBB raises ticket prices starting from December
The Austrian Federal Railways ÖBB announced that train travel will become more expensive starting in December, as part of its new winter schedule. In addition to price increases, the company plans a significant expansion of its services, but at the same time will take extensive measures to reduce costs.
The general director Andreas Mather told the Tiroler Tageszeitung that long-distance services will increase by about 30 percent. However, ticket prices will be adjusted at the same time. Although the amount of the increase has not yet been announced, it is expected to be close to the inflation rate.
These changes come amid economic pressures including recession, rising inflation, and government austerity measures. These conditions have forced ÖBB to postpone some projects, while aiming for annual savings of up to 300 million euros. An internal program to enhance efficiency is also expected to achieve an additional 200 to 300 million euros.
Despite the austerity policy, ÖBB will continue to invest significantly. About 3.2 billion euros have been allocated for infrastructure in 2025, and more than 100 new trains are scheduled to be purchased by 2026.
Critics argue that railways are treated unfairly compared to the trucking and aviation sectors, which benefit from ongoing tax privileges, while train operators face rising energy operating costs, increasing pressure on both the company and passengers.