Punctuality in rail transport in Austria in 2023
Despite challenging conditions, extreme weather, construction work, and delayed train transfers, overall punctuality was maintained at a high level.
Punctuality in long-distance transport
With a punctuality rate of 83.7 percent, WESTbahn was the most punctual company in long-distance transport. However, compared to the previous year, the company saw a decline in punctuality from 88 percent to 83.7 percent. This was mainly due to the expansion of the route network to Innsbruck and Bregenz and the resulting delays in train transfers from abroad. ÖBB Passenger Transport achieved a punctuality rate of 80.3 percent in 2023 (2022: 81.4 percent). The decline is attributable to a shortage of vehicles, weather events (onset of winter in December), delayed train transfers from neighboring countries, and construction sites, such as in the "German Corner." RegioJet, which operates between Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, recorded a punctuality rate of 64.4 percent in Austria, making it the most unpunctual long-distance rail company (2022: 53.7 percent).
Punctuality in ÖBB local transport at 94.2 percent
Across all ÖBB passenger transport local services, train punctuality relevant to passenger compensation rights was 94.2 percent in 2023. A train is considered punctual in the evaluation if it is delayed by a maximum of five minutes and 29 seconds. Trains with delays of five minutes and 30 seconds or more, train cancellations, and unplanned rail replacement services are considered unpunctual.
The main reasons for train delays were an increase in passenger numbers, a shortage of rolling stock, weather events such as the onset of winter in December 2023, and delayed train transfers from abroad. December was particularly challenging, with many trains delayed or canceled due to heavy snowfall.
Overview of Austrian federal states
Trains in Vorarlberg were once again the most punctual in 2023, with a punctuality rate of 96.6 percent. Upper Austria came last in the punctuality ranking, with a punctuality rate of 92.7 percent for ÖBB passenger transport's local services.
Compensation for annual passes
In Austria, the KlimaTicket Austria, a product of One Mobility Ticketing GmbH, is offered on the one hand, and on the other hand, the regional climate tickets or annual route tickets of the seven transport associations are offered. The latter are only valid in the respective transport association (e.g., VVT in Tyrol) or on the selected route.
Annual tickets do not provide compensation for individual delayed journeys. Instead, a level of punctuality has been legally established, and if this level is not met in a month of validity, a lump-sum compensation is paid. This is paid after the annual ticket has expired. Those affected are entitled to ten percent of the compensation basis per month. The compensation basis is the proportionate ticket price for the rail company, minus the price proportions for motor vehicle transport (buses) or city transport. Refunds of less than four euros may be excluded from payment (de minimis limit).
The legally stipulated punctuality rate varies depending on the type of annual ticket. For the Klimaticket Austria, a monthly punctuality rate of at least 93 percent applies to all regional and long-distance trains. For regional Klimatickets and annual tickets for specific routes issued by the seven transport associations, a monthly punctuality rate of at least 95 percent applies to regional trains. The actual punctuality rate achieved for the Klimaticket Austria was 94.6 percent over the whole of 2023. In July, August, September, and December, the actual punctuality rate achieved was below the legally stipulated level.
To assert your claim, it is important to register for a refund at www.klimaticket.at and with ÖBB Passenger Transport in the passenger rights section.
The complete apf punctuality report can be found here.