Specifically, Hammerschmid promised that ÖBB would build a new ramp. The Ombudsman Board was thus able to achieve a significant improvement for residents who have to cross the footbridge with pushchairs or bicycles. However, it is questionable whether wheelchairs will be able to cross the north runway without assistance, as the ramp will be steeper than the six per cent specified for accessibility. According to ÖBB, a less steep ramp would require too much space, which is not available at this point.
Ombudsman Achitz welcomes the planned changes, "but true accessibility must always be the goal." He referred to solutions used in Germany with temporary lifts. However, according to ÖBB, these are not common in Austria and would take a very long time to obtain authorisation. Achitz: "But if accessibility is considered from the outset in future when railway construction work is planned for the long term, it could work out."
Graz-Göstling: Ombudsman Board achieves noise protection measures at the shunting station
ÖBB has also responded to criticism from the Austrian Ombudsman Board in another case: for several years, people living near the Göstling marshalling yard in Graz have been complaining about unbearable squeaking noises. ÖBB manager Hammerschmid reported in "Bürgeranwalt" that ÖBB has now erected noise barriers and other technical measures to reduce noise have also been taken. However, he had also repeatedly appealed not to build any more residential buildings directly next to the railway station.
You can also watch the Ombudsman's programmes online on ORF ON