Criticism of politics

“Time to end the permanent slumber of transit”

Gurgiser calls for fair competition between road and rail.

(Bild: Christof Birbaumer)

Fritz Gurgiser from the Transit Forum calls for fair competition between road and rail and has a clear recommendation for politicians. The IG Luft limit values for nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter also need to be adjusted.

While the three-party coalition is being negotiated in Vienna, Fritz Gurgiser, Chairman of the Transit Forum, is taking a hard line on transport policy. "It's time to end the permanent slumber of transit," says Gurgiser in an interview with "Krone". He calls for fair competition between road and rail - keyword: modal shift!

There also needs to be an increased toll for trucks from Rosenheim to Verona. And there must be a minimum wage of 5,000 euros for truck drivers.

Fritz Gurgiser, Obmann des Transitforums

Bild: Birbaumer Christof

"There is no point in investing billions in rail expansion, but at the same time putting the railroads at a competitive disadvantage with transport, financial and social conditions." The future government must ensure that cross-border freight trains can actually pass through - without interruptions, delays, days of standstill and in-between transportation by road, as is currently the case.

In addition, the new IG air limits for nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter must be adjusted. "There also needs to be an increased toll for trucks from Rosenheim to Verona that is based on the polluter-pays principle. And there must be a minimum wage of 5,000 euros for truck drivers," the top transit campaigner has clear ideas.

He demands that the ÖVP take over the Ministry of Transport: "They should take responsibility for once. So far, it has refrained from taking up the post so that it can support its haulier clientele in the background!"