Railway passenger traffic in Austria displayed a steady growth from 2013 to 2019, reaching 13.25 billion passenger kilometers by 2019. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant decline in 2020, with traffic dropping to 7.38 billion passenger kilometers. There was a partial recovery in subsequent years, with traffic rebounding to 12.86 billion passenger kilometers by 2022. In 2023, the value stood at 11.71 billion passenger kilometers, reflecting an 8.94% decrease from the previous year.
Forecasted data indicates a gradual recovery and growth in railway passenger traffic from 2024 to 2028, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.9%. By 2028, the traffic is projected to reach 13.19 billion passenger kilometers, which is a 9.86% increase compared to 2023.
Future trends to watch for include:
- The impact of ongoing public health concerns and travel restrictions on passenger numbers.
- Strategic investments in railway infrastructure and services aimed at boosting capacity and efficiency.
- Shifting consumer preferences towards more sustainable modes of transportation.
- Technological advancements improving the overall travel experience, potentially influencing passenger growth.
