2026 Brings Start for Lobau Tunnel and More Expensive Climate Tickets

In 2026, perhaps the most controversial transport project of recent years will be launched: the Lobau Tunnel. Although the tunnel itself is not yet being built, the approval procedures are not yet completed, work on other sections of the S1 Northeast Bypass is starting. There is less division in the south of the country: With the start of regular interval traffic on the new route of the Koralm Railway, transport connections are even closer here.

Preparations for Lobau Tunnel Start Despite Protests

Transport Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) gave the green light for the Lobau Tunnel in October, thus reversing the decision of his predecessor Leonore Gewessler (Greens). In 2026, construction of the S1 for the northern section between Groß-Enzersdorf and Süßenbrunn is set to begin. It is expected that the construction will be accompanied by protests from environmental activists.

Koralm Railway Opens: Southern Austria Comes Together

In the south of the country, a century project has been on track since mid-December: The Koralm Railway between Styria and Carinthia provides new and faster connections for the ÖBB timetable 2026. The travel time between Graz and Klagenfurt is reduced to about 41 minutes. Vienna and Klagenfurt are now only three hours and ten minutes apart through the new Koralm Tunnel. The Westbahn will also be operating on the route from March.

Climate Tickets Become More Expensive

The environmentally friendly use of the routes is becoming more expensive: The price for the nationwide Climate Ticket was already increased from 1,095 euros to 1,300 in September 2025, and now it rises again to 1,400 euros in 2026. For most regional climate tickets or annual passes in the federal states, you will soon have to dig deeper into your pockets. The price jumps are particularly high in Upper Austria and Vienna (467 instead of the previous 365 euros).

Fire Red Adhesive Vignette as a Farewell

In 2026, the vignette can be manually affixed to the vehicle for the last time - in the color fire red. From February 1, 2027, only the digital variants will be available. The price has slightly increased from 103.8 to 106.80 euros in 2025/2026.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.