Austria/Switzerland: Competitiveness of railways

Article Abstract:

A study by Wilfried Puwein of the Austrian Institute for Economic Forecasting, Wifo, states that OBB has increased cargo transport by 27% since 1992. In comparison with other European railway companies, this is a considerable growth rate. In other terms, however, the Austrian national railway company has done less well compared with other European operators. While almost all European railway operators increased passenger transport, OBB has cut back output in this sector by 16.4% since 1992. Since 1992 OBB has increased transport output by 36%, while the Swiss operator, Schweizerische Bundesbahnen (SBB) recorded a 49% increase. Output per employee is 762 km in Switzerland and 439 in Austria. Sweden ranks first in this comparison, at 2,087 km per employee. In 2000 SBB covered 70% of its costs with revenues from the market, compared with 52% in 1995. In Austria, the rate was 52% in 2000. In this period, subsidies to OBB remained unchanged, whereas in Switzerland subsidies to SBB were reduced by 11%.

Government expenditures, Labor force information, Switzerland, Schweizerische Bundesbahnen

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AUSTRIA: RAILWAY CONTROL AUTHORITY ESTABLISHED

Article Abstract:

While other countries in the European Union are splitting up railway infrastructure and railway traffic operators, in Austria both aspects will remain with the national railway company OBB . A new company called Schienen Control GmbH was set up as a watchdog to monitor fair competition in the rail traffic market. From 1 February 2000 the new authority will be led by Gerhard Fuhrmann, currently transport attache at Austria's embassy in Brussels.

Government regulation (cont), Germany, Schienen Control GmbH

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AUSTRIA: OBB TO PAY CORPORATION TAX

Article Abstract:

The Austrian constitutional court has ruled that the exemption of OBB from corporation tax is not permissible. The country's constitution does not allow privileges to OBB in areas where the company is in competition with other firms. Based on the latest balance sheet profit of Sch 1.2bn, the 34% corporation tax would mean Sch 408mn.

Taxes

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