• austriantimes.at
• croatiantimes.com
• romaniantimes.at
• salzburgtimes.at

Today

• Vienna - Johnny\'s Pub Quiz
• Vienna - Unknown Underground
• Vienna - Childrens Fun
• Vienna - Palais Lichtenstein

© SPÖ / Zinner

26. 04. 12. - 16:00

• more Business news
• RSS Feed Business

26. 04. 12. - 16:00

All-clear for new railway tunnel

Decision-makers have defended the construction of the Semmering tunnel.

Social Democratic (SPÖ) Traffic Minister Doris Bures praised the agreement between the provinces of Lower Austria and Styria, Federal Railways (ÖBB) and the state as an "important signal for future generations". ÖBB boss Christian Kern pointed out that a train journey from Vienna to Graz would take one hour and 50 minutes instead of two and a half hours when the tunnel becomes part of the Austrian railway network.

Styrian SPÖ Governor Franz Voves claimed yesterday – when the fist sod was turned in Gloggnitz at the Semmering Mountain – that the building activities would create and protect 15,000 jobs. The first major part of the construction will start in around two years’ time. Building companies first have to set up temporary offices and access roads.

Lower Austrian Governor Erwin Pröll of the People’s Party (ÖVP) denied that he had to be persuaded to have a change of mind regarding the 3.1-billion-Euro project. Pröll said his government rejected plans to set up a tunnel in the area in the past due to environmental and safety concerns. He claimed the new version of the project fulfilled all of the Lower Austrian government’s criteria.

First plans to create a rail tunnel at the Semmering Mountain were made around 30 years ago. Various environment reports and local residents’ protest initiatives delayed the project throughout the decades. While the current and former governments of the province of Styria generally welcomed the idea to build the 27.3-kilometre tunnel, decision-makers in Lower Austria fought such plans. The Kronen Zeitung, Austria’s most popular newspaper, famously backed the project in its Styrian edition – but launched aggressive campaigns against the construction in its Lower Austrian version.

The cut of the spade in Gloggnitz occurred only a few days after the federal SPÖ-ÖVP coalition decided to amass 33 billion Euros of new debts to ensure ÖBB’s capitalisation in the coming years. Government officials said the move would help ÖBB to reduce its debts from 27 to 18 billion Euros within the next five years.

Already in February, Social Democrats and ÖVP announced that ÖBB must slash its investments by 920 million Euros between 2012 and 2017. The government explained that none of the three major tunnel projects – the Koralm, the Semmering and the Brenner basis tunnel – would be at risk. But the coalition made clear that ÖBB would have to economise also as far as spending on these multi-billion-Euro projects were concerned.

ÖBB has 41,000 employees. Kern said the company planned to reduce its workforce level by 1,000 until 2015. He signalised optimism regarding passenger figures because of the constant car fuel price increase – and the public debate about the development. The ÖBB chief said that especially the company’s regional connections had more passengers in the first three months of 2012. Kern claimed that around two thirds of new ÖBB customers were former drivers who were now taking the train because of the climbing petrol prices.

Vienna Times

Related articles: political scandals

1. EC warns debt-ridden Austria

   » General News 2012-05-31

   Austria has been criticised for its high public debts.

2. Graz coalition collapses

   » General News 2012-05-31

   People’s Party (ÖVP) Graz Mayor Siegfried Nagl has ended his faction’s partnership with the Greens.

3. FPÖ attacks Wrabetz

   » General News 2012-05-30

   ORF boss Alexander Wrabetz is under fire over his latest relocation calculations.

4. Government's subsidisation reform suffers setback

   » General News 2012-05-29

   The government has failed to reach an agreement with the coalition concerning a reform of Austria’s party subsidisation system.

5. Vienna road toll on the agenda again

   » General News 2012-05-22

   The Vienna Greens are risking a coalition-internal conflict by calling for a city toll.

6. Hollande's growth appeal 'nonsense', says Fekter

   » General News 2012-05-22

   Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) Finance Minister Maria Fekter has launched an attack on the new French president.

7. Petrol traders plan legal action

   » Business 2012-05-17

   The domestic mineral oil industry plans to sue the government about plans to set up a tool regulating fuel prices.

8. Turmöl sales soar

   » Business 2012-05-11

   Austria’s main discount petrol station network earned more in the first three months of this year thanks to the current developments on the energy products sector.

9. SPÖ's big guns trained on Strache

   » General News 2012-05-02

   Vienna Mayor Michael Häupl has warned from a coalition between the People’s Party (ÖVP) and the Freedom Party (FPÖ).

10. Bonuses must mean tax cuts, says ÖVP boss

    » General News 2012-05-02

    The People’s Party (ÖVP) has suggested to lower the tax pressure on companies which share their profits with employees.

Related articles: crisis

1. EC warns debt-ridden Austria

   » General News 2012-05-31

   Austria has been criticised for its high public debts.

2. Property prices keep climbing

   » Business 2012-05-31

   A real estate expert has expressed concerns about property prices in Austria.

3. Graz coalition collapses

   » General News 2012-05-31

   People’s Party (ÖVP) Graz Mayor Siegfried Nagl has ended his faction’s partnership with the Greens.

4. FPÖ attacks Wrabetz

   » General News 2012-05-30

   ORF boss Alexander Wrabetz is under fire over his latest relocation calculations.

5. AUA under pressure as pilots quit

   » Business 2012-05-30

   The number of pilots and stewardesses leaving Austrian Airlines (AUA) because of the upcoming pay cuts is on the rise.

6. TV tax increase ahead

   » Business 2012-05-30

   TV consumers in Austria must pay higher taxes from Friday.

7. Pay cuts scare off AUA pilots

   » Business 2012-05-29

   Dozens of pilots have left Austrian Airlines (AUA) in the past weeks, according to the loss-making carrier’s works committee.

8. Brauner discloses austerity course details

   » General News 2012-05-29

   Viennese Social Democratic (SPÖ) Finance Councillor Renate Brauner has revealed how the city government plans to save one billion Euros within the next five years.

9. Austrian skiers create overnight stay record

   » Business 2012-05-29

   The number of winter season overnight stays by Austrians has reached a new record.

10. Government's subsidisation reform suffers setback

    » General News 2012-05-29

    The government has failed to reach an agreement with the coalition concerning a reform of Austria’s party subsidisation system.

Related articles: business scandals

1. AUA under pressure as pilots quit

   » Business 2012-05-30

   The number of pilots and stewardesses leaving Austrian Airlines (AUA) because of the upcoming pay cuts is on the rise.

2. Pay cuts scare off AUA pilots

   » Business 2012-05-29

   Dozens of pilots have left Austrian Airlines (AUA) in the past weeks, according to the loss-making carrier’s works committee.

3. Pecik defends TA engagement

   » Business 2012-05-24

   Telekom Austria (TA) investor Ronny Pecik has declared himself a team player.

4. Petrol traders plan legal action

   » Business 2012-05-17

   The domestic mineral oil industry plans to sue the government about plans to set up a tool regulating fuel prices.

5. Sickness surge causes AUA cancellations

   » Business 2012-05-15

   Passengers are finally feeling the full impact of the emerging labour conflict at Austrian Airlines (AUA).

6. TA recovers as CEO rejects Pecik fears

   » Business 2012-05-11

   Telekom Austria (TA) is back in the black.

7. Turmöl sales soar

   » Business 2012-05-11

   Austria’s main discount petrol station network earned more in the first three months of this year thanks to the current developments on the energy products sector.

8. Maier demands rail tunnel referendums

   » General News 2012-05-01

   Outgoing People’s Party (ÖVP) parliament member (MP) Ferdinand Maier has suggested to let Austrians decide about the future of the various Austrian railway tunnel projects.

9. Cooperating clinics 'can save €2bn'

   » Business 2012-04-27

   A study has made aware of immense savings potential in the health sector.

10. Leitl denies 'bullying businesses' claim

    » Business 2012-04-26

    The president of the Austrian Economy Chamber (WKO) has rejected accusations that companies are bullying elderly employees.

Related articles: business boom

1. Austrian skiers create overnight stay record

   » Business 2012-05-29

   The number of winter season overnight stays by Austrians has reached a new record.

2. Knoflacher emphasises pedestrian zones' economic effects

   » General News 2012-05-24

   A renowned traffic planner has stressed that shop owners are generally appreciating the introduction of pedestrian zones.

3. FW turnover takes off

   » Business 2012-05-24

   Austria’s biggest airport has managed to increase its profit.

4. Congress tourism boosts cities and countryside

   » Business 2012-05-17

   International conferences are becoming increasingly important to the Austrian tourism industry.

5. Schieder wants technology offensive

   » General News 2012-05-15

   Finance Secretary Andreas Schieder has appealed on politicians and businesspeople to ensure that Europeans benefit from technologic developments.

6. TA recovers as CEO rejects Pecik fears

   » Business 2012-05-11

   Telekom Austria (TA) is back in the black.

7. BA almost takes €400mn profit hurdle

   » Business 2012-05-11

   Bank Austria (BA) has achieved a profit of almost 400 million Euros in the first quarter of 2012.

8. Turmöl sales soar

   » Business 2012-05-11

   Austria’s main discount petrol station network earned more in the first three months of this year thanks to the current developments on the energy products sector.

9. Bonuses must mean tax cuts, says ÖVP boss

   » General News 2012-05-02

   The People’s Party (ÖVP) has suggested to lower the tax pressure on companies which share their profits with employees.

10. Strabag turnover soars thanks to EE

    » Business 2012-05-01

    Two of Austria’s leading construction companies had good and bad news for shareholders in the past few days.

Long Night of the Churches
Hundreds of churches Austria-wide to open their doors for the "Long Night of the Churches" (original: "Langen Nacht der Kirchen") on May, 24.

Cheapskate Tourist Almost Died In Sewer Visit
A German tourist had a lucky escape after he decided to go underground to get a view of the Vienna sewers, and fell badly breaking several bones including his hip and his leg.

Preparation for Life Ball begins
The preparations of the Life Ball in Vienna are at full blast after delays due to bad weather last weekend. Star guests like Eva Longoria and Carmen Electra are expected at Vienna Airport on Friday.

Woman killed by Vienna tram
A female pedestrian tried to cross a street in Vienna Hietzing yesterday afternoon (Tues) without paying attention to the traffic. She was hit by the tram number 60 and died at the scene.

15 minutes free parking instead of 10
The 15-minute parking ticket will replace the 10-minute parking ticket in autumn. The only alternative is to buy your parking ticket with your phone. A parking clock does not protect you from a fine.

Lightning storm causes damage in Lower Austria
810 lightning strikes have been counted in Lower Austria last night (Tues). Meteorologists state that this is not an extraordinary number but some lightning strikes resulted in fires. The fire brigade had to set out in several towns.

Spanish Riding School for everyone
The riding centre of Heldenberg, district of Hollabrunn (Lower Austria) is now offering exclusive courses: professional riders of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna teach interested riders.

Vienna advocates a ban on pesticides
Vienna has now joined those Austrian states that advocate a cooperative strategy for a ban of the neonicotinoids pesticides. Apparently, there are tested alternatives for the pesticides that are harmful for bees.

Huge debate over multilingualism in Austria
Possible projects for a "multilingual oriented educational concept" have led to a debate in Vienna. The SPÖ, ÖVP and FPÖ are currently discussing the two sides of the issue: "multilingualism as a chance" and "German as a priority".

Exhibition Drawing Against Oblivion
The Leopold Museum in Vienna opened the the exhibition "Drawing against oblivion" on 17 May. Manfred Bockelmann drew more than 60 portraits of children and teenagers, who were victims of the Nazi terror.