"The fact is that the municipality has de-designated the turnaround area as a public transport area. This means that the neighbour is no longer able to use what he has paid for. Now that the neighbour can no longer use the turnaround area, the municipality should pay him back his share. As the Austrian Ombudsman Board, we are also in favour of reimbursing him for the reduction in value of his property," emphasises the Ombudswoman, pointing out a fundamental problem: "If the municipality maintains an industrial estate, it must also ensure that the roads are safe. By selling the reversal site, it has created a direct increase in danger. I appeal to the municipality to find a solution that meets the safety requirements of the Highway Code."
Success of the Ombudsman Board and Ombudsman: Badner Bahn apologises to couple
The Ombudsman Board's criticism and the reporting in the Citizens' Advocate have led to Wiener Lokalbahnen apologising to an elderly couple for the inconvenience caused. In December 2024, the Badner Bahn came to a halt in the middle of the line. Passengers were left to their own devices in the industrial area without any information about alternative means of transport.
"The management of Wiener Lokalbahnen has now apologised to the couple. They have admitted that the driver's behaviour was a mistake. The taxi fare of 35 euros was refunded to the couple, who donated the amount to the cancer charity. They also received a small gift basket. That really is an exemplary culture of apology," praises Ombudswoman Gaby Schwarz, but appeals to all transport companies to improve the training of employees: "Informing passengers quickly and providing support if necessary must be a matter of course."
Peter Resetarits and Ombudswoman Gaby Schwarz in the ORF programme Bürgeranwalt