Cargo transport by private railways strengthens the regions’ economic force
Private regional railways are strong economic drivers: Every euro invested means almost one more euro of added value in Austria
In the course of a survey conducted by order of the federal railway association of the Austrian Economic Chamber, the Economica Institute investigated the economic significance of ten regional private railway operators in Austria. On 11 August Chairman KR Dr. Thomas Scheiber and Federal Minister of Transport Alois Stöger, together with the author of the study Dr. Christian Helmenstein presented the results.
Accordingly, the ten investigated regional railway operators have invested more than EUR 640 million into their infrastructure between 2004 and 2013. This includes the modernisation of railway lines, rehabilitation and construction of new stations and expenses for the required material. These measures have, in turn, created an added value of EUR 400 million in ten years.
The operating performance (2013) of private regional railway operators in Austria created a total gross value added of EUR 325 million. The contribution to the GDP amounts to 0.11 per cent, or in other words: Each 880th euro generated in Austria can be attributed directly or indirectly to the private regional railways.
According to railway law, all railway enterprises registered in Austria, outside the ÖBB group are defined as private regional railway operators, not taking into respect the actual ownership. There are currently 14 providers and a 862 kilometers route Network.
Source: oevz.com