Cab use after train delays, train cancellations and missed connections
Cab use after train delays, train cancellations and missed connections
Passenger rights in Austria also regulate travel by cab in certain situations in the rail sector. This means that after the departure of the last connecting train due to a delay or a train cancellation, passengers are not "stranded" at the respective transfer station. However, there are a few things to bear in mind when taking a cab:
Cab journeys with the KlimaTicket or one-way tickets
In principle, passengers who have suffered a delay of at least 60 minutes, whose train has been canceled or who have missed the last connecting train, are entitled to transport to their destination. A cab ride can also be used for this purpose.
The type of ticket used for the journey is not relevant. This means that people with a KlimaTicket can use a cab in the same way as people traveling with a one-way ticket.
The use of a cab is primarily permitted if the destination station cannot be reached by other means of public transport on the day of travel and no accommodation is used. Accordingly, the cab journey ends at the destination station and not at other locations, such as the place of residence or a hotel.
However, if accommodation is necessary due to the delay or the cancellation of the train, the use of a cab to the accommodation is permitted.
Maximum cost of a cab ride
As far as the cost of a cab journey is concerned, a distinction must be made as to whether the journey is necessary on regional or long-distance services. In regional transport, the maximum amount for a cab ride is 50 euros per trip for all railroad companies with the exception of WESTbahn and CAT. For ÖBB Personenverkehr, this currently applies to the following train types: Regional train (R), Regional Express (REX), cityjet express (CJX) and S-Bahn (S).
In long-distance transport, "reasonable" costs to the destination of the transport service are reimbursed. A maximum amount has not been defined. At ÖBB Personenverkehr, this regulation applies to the following train types: Eurocity (EC), Intercity (ÖBB-IC or IC), ICE, Railjet (RJ), Railjet Xpress (RJX) or D-train (D). This regulation is also relevant for WESTbahn trains and the City-Airport Train (CAT).
What should those affected do to get to their destination by cab?
The apf recommends contacting the train crew first if possible. In this way, it is often possible to assess at an early stage whether a connecting train can still be reached. It is also advisable to contact the staff at the respective transfer station, if there is a possibility to do so (train counter, service center).
In these cases, ÖBB Personenverkehr will issue a so-called "cab license", which once again shows the modalities of cab use.
If no staff from the railroad company can be found, the apf recommends documenting the situation (e.g. by taking photos).
Inquiries and arbitration procedure have shown that a cab ticket does not guarantee that the rail company will cover the costs - for example, if there were other connections by public transport. This is only checked when the costs are submitted to the respective service portal.
As a rule, passengers must first pay the cab costs themselves and then submit the cab invoice to the rail company for reimbursement.
Those affected can submit their cab invoices using the online form at ÖBB PV at https://www.oebb.at/de/reiseplanung-services/kundenservice or at WESTbahn at https://westbahn.at/kontakt/.
Documentation is particularly important when it comes to the reimbursement of cab costs by the rail company. Proof of the delay of the train or the cab bill should be provided at the time of submission if possible. In particular, people who use a KlimaTicket should document the route they have traveled in particular detail (e.g. with a seat reservation, photos, etc.).