Prominent support for light rail petition

The public transport system has reached its limits in parts of Linz, and the problem is particularly serious during rush hour for commuter traffic, complains Andreas Stangl. “That’s why the expansion of public transport services is essential. When it comes to the subject of light rail, a quick decision is required so that the open time window until the next National Council election is used and pre- and post-election-related delays are avoided. Further delays due to party-political tactics are irresponsible,” says the AK President.

More on the subject: Stadtbahn petition should give Stelzer and Luger a boost

Political dispute over the light rail project

The construction of the S 6 and S 7 and their best possible coordination with the Linz lines would make an additional 20,000 jobs within walking distance within a maximum of ten minutes. This would create enormous potential for a shift in favor of public transport. As reported, there were recently major disagreements between the city and the state regarding implementation and financing, and State Governor Thomas Stelzer (VP) and Mayor Klaus Luger (SP) then declared the matter a top priority. There is no agreement yet.

“I urge you to take advantage of this opportunity in times of climate debate,” says Stangl. Apart from that, the AK President does not consider the costs to be a convincing counter-argument: “If the project had been implemented during the low interest rate phase of the last ten years, the financing would have been cheaper. This opportunity has passed, but the longer the light rail and the expansion of public transport are maintained “The more traffic is pushed back, the more expensive it will be in the end. And without them it certainly won’t work.”

Way out of traffic jam problem

The climate ticket has shown across Austria that there is still a lot of “room for improvement” and that many people are ready to change their mobility behavior: trams, buses and trains are currently being used more than ever, but in many cases they are running out of steam, especially in rush hour traffic Capacity limits. During traffic peaks during commuting times, but also in leisure traffic, seats are in short supply.

“Whenever the public transport offering has been significantly improved, it has been very well received by many people,” argues Stangl. Therefore, Upper Austria and especially the central area of ​​Linz urgently need a further significant expansion of public transport. Especially in metropolitan areas, it is becoming increasingly impossible to cope with the additional traffic by building new roads. The lack of space hardly allows this and also drives up the costs of road construction. Stangl emphasizes: “For Linz and the surrounding area, expanding the offer is a way out of the traffic jam problems. The petition is intended to give those responsible a boost for a quick decision-making. I therefore call on you to sign the petition that has just been launched.”

According to Stangl, the investments in this project can also make a further contribution to stabilizing the economic situation. They will pay off in the medium to long term: fewer emissions, a healthier environment, additional jobs and more road safety are goals that really benefit everyone!

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