As an Austrian, I must say that I am amazed that this is even a topic here ... let alone a topic that gathers so many comments. I thoroughly appreciate all the comments and insights. Personally, my only complaint I ever had about the ÖBB was that they got rid of the repeating noise trains used to make. A noise they used to advertise with in the past.
It's called "Continuous Welded Rail". More expensive in initial installation, but way cheaper in maintenance and as a bonus it has better ride performance too.
Austria rail operator OeBB unveils new night trains
231–240 of 267 posts
Re: Austria rail operator OeBB unveils new night trains
#232Earlier quoted context omitted.
If it's going to be anything like the carbon offsets, I see zero reason to elaborate since it will inevitably end up looking like arguing with religious people. I am all for taxing pollution but focusing on carbon alone makes me extremely dubious of the actual intent behind such proposals. These things appear to be weapons disguised as legitimate efforts to improve things.
So instead of taking the opportunity to educate somebody on a topic you're implying you know a lot about, you've decided it's not worth the bother because I'm probably religious about -- checks notes -- carbon taxes... and there's going to be no reasoning with me? Why bother commenting on the internet at all?
Why bother indeed.
Re: Austria rail operator OeBB unveils new night trains
#233I have taken the car train from Hamburg to Vienna as a family. Pure luxury and comfort! We drive from Denmark to Hamburg(with a 2 year old), and load the fully packed car(stroller, luggages gifts for the in-laws etc) into the train at a special entrance, and walk into the coaches. We booked a private cabin/room for more privacy and also because we have a two year old. There were quite comfortable bunk booths as well…
This, like many other ideas combining cars and public transport, sounds like something that doesn't scale. The exact numbers vary, but the passenger capacity of a car train is usually something like 1/2 of a normal night train or 1/3 of a normal day train, assuming that the train is fully dedicated to carrying people with cars. You also need special facilities and longer stops, because cars can't just dismount at nor…
Re: Austria rail operator OeBB unveils new night trains
#234Earlier quoted context omitted.
[flagged]
It's interesting to me how you lob the words 'luddite' and 'wishing misery' at the most basic suggestion of moderation of abstinence from trips to Spain (or equivalent). I shudder at what words you must surely reserve for those that systemically privatize food, water, and shelter - things we actually need to survive.
Re: Austria rail operator OeBB unveils new night trains
#235Earlier quoted context omitted.
[flagged]
Ah. Somebody calling names, with zero conscience and sense of responsibility about their behavior and impact on others. FYI your "agency" ends when your inane and largely arbitrary consumerist habits destroy my living space. Capiche?
Re: Austria rail operator OeBB unveils new night trains
#236Re: Austria rail operator OeBB unveils new night trains
#237I have taken the car train from Hamburg to Vienna as a family. Pure luxury and comfort! We drive from Denmark to Hamburg(with a 2 year old), and load the fully packed car(stroller, luggages gifts for the in-laws etc) into the train at a special entrance, and walk into the coaches. We booked a private cabin/room for more privacy and also because we have a two year old. There were quite comfortable bunk booths as well…
This, like many other ideas combining cars and public transport, sounds like something that doesn't scale. The exact numbers vary, but the passenger capacity of a car train is usually something like 1/2 of a normal night train or 1/3 of a normal day train, assuming that the train is fully dedicated to carrying people with cars. You also need special facilities and longer stops, because cars can't just dismount at nor…
Re: Austria rail operator OeBB unveils new night trains
#238Earlier quoted context omitted.
The issue with removing these kind of regulations is always the same: there's fairly little political goodwill to be gained by it, and massive amount of potential loss if it were to backfire. So it just doesn't happen. It's why it's so important to fight pointless security theaters like this before they are introduced, because it is night impossible to get rid of them later.
This confuses me, because it seems like almost everyone I talk to, across the political spectrum, thinks airport security is overkill. Conservatives could argue for reducing it because it might save money, and liberals could argue for reducing it because it might reduce incidence if racial profiling.
Re: Austria rail operator OeBB unveils new night trains
#239Earlier quoted context omitted.
Some countries (China is the most notable example) have security checks prior to boarding a train comparable to flying. In Poland, if you buy your ticket for an Intercity train online, the conductor will ask for your ID to ensure the names match. The state, or perhaps just the operator, seems to be concerned about who is paying and traveling in this case. One can still buy tickets with cash, though.
I recently took the train in Poland from Warsaw to Krakow and Krakow to Vienna and they never checked my ID.
Re: Austria rail operator OeBB unveils new night trains
#240I love travelling by train. You are not treated like a criminal before you can board a train. You can sit and watch the landscape pass by. It's comfortable.
> You are not treated like a criminal before you can board a train. I have only taken one relatively long distance train in Europe, but they had security checks on par with PreCheck. Bags still went through a scanner and still went through a metal detector.