Political Support Grows for Reinstating S-Bahn Station in Lobau

In a recent survey conducted by the citizens' initiative S80 Lobau, all political parties participating in the upcoming Vienna elections on April 27 have expressed their support for the re-establishment of the S-Bahn station in Wien Lobau, with the notable exception of the SPÖ party. This silence from the SPÖ has raised eyebrows, suggesting an attempt to sidestep the contentious issue of the Lobau area during the election campaign.

The S80 line, which connects Aspern Nord near Seestadt with major transit points such as Wien Hauptbahnhof and Meidling, was previously serviced by the Lobau station. However, in 2014, the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) closed this station, citing prohibitive costs, a decision that was sanctioned by the Vienna city administration.

With the current expansion of the Simmering-Süssenbrunn railway line as part of the ÖBB's 2040 target network, there is a feasible opportunity to reinstate the Wien Lobau station. This move could serve as a counterbalance to the anticipated increase in individual motor traffic due to the proposed Lobautunnel project.

The reintroduction of the Lobau station could establish it as a multifunctional transport hub, providing numerous benefits:

• Connecting local communities: The station would link nearby growing residential areas, home to thousands of residents, to both regional and national rail networks.
• Integrating local bus services: Three local bus routes would connect directly to the S-Bahn, enhancing public transport accessibility.
• Improving access to recreational areas: A barrier-free exit to Kaisermühlendamm would facilitate direct access from populous districts (10, 11, and 12) to the leisure oasis of Neue Donau.
• Ensuring safety: The station would provide a safer crossing point over the heavily trafficked Raffineriestraße and the adjacent oil port railway, which currently poses risks to pedestrians due to its unprotected crossings that have resulted in fatalities.

Given these advantages, the reinstatement of the Wien Lobau station could potentially address not just transport concerns but also enhance safety for residents. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact the S80 Lobau initiative through Dr. Cornelia Wehr at 0650 4183584 or DI Heinz Mooss at 0699 12597792.