When they said they were going to build a new station - a so-called Hauptbahnhof - and reduce the number of trains arriving at other stations in particular the Westbahnhof I said to Mrs G they shouldn't put all their eggs in one basket.
But they did, and now it's the busiest time of the year for tourists and Christmas shoppers!
Due to a fire at the weekend on the main underground line the U1 the train travel situation has turned into chaos.
It will remain so for at least a week.
One comedian wrote a letter to the newspaper: This makes hardly any difference to the usual service.
The situation is that no trains can proceed from the Hauptbahnhof to the city centre U-hub at Karlsplatz or to Schwedenplatz a route used by office workers and tourists. Another Hauptbahnhof drama to add to several scandals involving millions of euros that came to light during the construction of the Hauptbahnhof. The first drama was a winter of shivering in the open air on snow covered platforms due to the lack of waiting rooms for travelers.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Hauptbahnhof is jinxed, despite the employment of an esoteric to cast a spell to keep away any evil spirits at a cost of somewhere in the region of €90,000.
Ironically in one corner of the double page spread about the latest chaos there is an advert from the association of Vienna's business and 'shopping street traders' featuring Herr Ludwig the socialist mayor going about his Christmas shopping with a smile on his face and three happy companions aside a golden heart.
At the same time as the main artery of the railway infrastructure to the heart of the city has ground to a halt police have arrested men suspected of planning to carry out an attack on a Christmas market near one of the affected stations of Stephansplatz next to the city's cathedral.
I thought Vienna had a great underground system when I visited Vienna Gwil. It was very busy though like London. I prefer the underground in Warsaw.
ReplyDeleteIt depends which line you’re on. Last time we went on the U-Bahn we were delayed due to an accident. The U-Bahn and trams are these days overwhelmed. Many elderly cannot get a seat.
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DeleteWhat was the name of the small train station that we caught our train from Vienna to Bratislava Gwil? I love that place. One Euros for a pint of Bernard Czech beer. Bratislava reminded me of a second world war film with the Austro Hungarian architecture and cobbled streets. We saw the big wheel featured in the Third Man film in Vienna. You live in a wonderful place Gwil.
ReplyDelete😐 sorry I don’t know Dave, I always go on the 🚌 bus. You can also go by boat three times a day from Schwedenplatz. Plenty to see and do in Vienna especially now smoking has been banned in pubs 😃👍
DeleteThanks Gwil. Ireland banned smoking in pubs first then the UK followed suit.
DeleteWe watched Gregg Wallace at the Vienna Christmas Markets on channel five last night. They look amazing.
DeleteI tend to avoid them. Much prefer the small town and village Christmas markets where one can buy local produce at reasonable prices.
DeleteMayors in Central Europe hold quite a lot of clout. I see that the Mayors of Budapest, Prague, Warsaw and Bratislava have signed a Pact of Free Cities and aim to by-pass their leaders and deal directly with the EU. Mayors I note are regarded as a serious political threat.
ReplyDeleteThat’s right. Vienna, which is often referred to as Red Vienna, has had 8 mayors since 1945. All of them from the same party.
DeleteRather nice to read Gwil of problems like this which are actually not over here. (sorry)
ReplyDeleteThanks Pat. Just watching a BBC documentary about Prince Andrew and his friend Epstein.
DeleteThe foxes are watching.
ReplyDeleteWill John Peel and his dogs save the geese and the lambs?
DeleteI had an uncle (now deceased) who organised the running times of all UK trains. He was based at Crewe, from where I believe the whole British Rail system radiated. Upon his retirement he was to be replaced by two university graduates, and he stayed on for a couple of months to show them how it worked. It wasn't long before they became totally confused, and my uncle was brought back (at increased salary and pension) and trained them for another six months.
ReplyDeleteI am now never surprised by any train Co antics or stupidity. The bigger they get, the more inefficient they are.
I remember Crewe. In my youth I spotted trains. Mainly LMSR. When we met a person who had spotted trains in Crewe, as we occasionally did, we boys would be in awe.
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