Pro Mühlkreisbahn rumbles against ÖBB closure plan

Mühlviertel. “With great lack of understanding”, the ARGE Pro Mühlkreisbahn also learned from the plans of the ÖBB, according to which the Mühlkreisbahn could be closed and replaced by buses. “Such a decision is not only short-sighted, but also traffic and socio-political irresponsible. The Mühlkreisbahn is not a unnecessary side project, but a supporting pillar of the planned Linz regional town railway,” says Klaus Falkinger, spokesman for the ARGE and Mayor in Kleinzell. “Around 4,500 passengers are already using this route every day – and instead of supporting this development, ÖBB apparently thinks about reducing existing structures and deteriorating the offer.” A switch to buses is not a sensible alternative: there is a lack of driving personnel, and the traffic areas in Linz are already completely overloaded. The ARGE Pro Mühlkreisbahn does not believe that buses can replace rail traffic in capacity and reliability. Against the background of the plans that have now become known, Falkinger also sees the work of the Pro Mühlkreisbahn: “While the municipalities of the region, together with the state of Upper Austria and the city of Linz, are working on a long -term and sustainable mobility strategy, ÖBB willingly endanger years of planning and the traffic in the region.” Tourism would also be massively affected. “For us in the districts of Urfahr-Umgebung and Rohrbach, it is clear: the Mühlkreisbahn does not have to be dismantled, but finally expanded future-proof. Everything else is a step backwards.” The ARGE Pro Mühlkreisbahn therefore calls for a clear commitment to the preservation and modernization of the Mühlkreisbahn from federal politics and ÖBB.

It’s about money

Ultimately, however, it’s about the money. After all, the federal railways are also affected by the general savings pressure. This is also the reason why the Almtal, Hausruck- und Mühlkreisbahn is obviously available in the current framework plan of the ÖBB 2025/30. As reported, you want to check together with the country whether bus connections are not more effective. There should be no deterioration for passengers.

Klaus Falkinger, ARGE Pro Mühlkreisbahn, Leader chairman and
Mayor in Kleinzell