Mouth and nose protection in public transport is mandatory. Local inspection in the Mariazellerbahn.
PIELACHTAL (ag). As of Monday, July 20, ÖBB vehicles can be fined EUR 40 if passengers fail to comply with mandatory mouth and nose protection. Here in the Pielachtal, too, the mask-wearing mood of passengers in the Mariazell Railway is noticeably reduced. The editors made a local inspection and asked the Lower Austria railways how they see the developments.
Passengers careless
The local inspection of our editor Alisa Gerstl, who drove a few stops from Kirchberg towards St. Pölten, confirms the carelessness of the passengers, which one also notices on the Lower Austria railways. “Unfortunately, we notice that some passengers are becoming increasingly careless and do not wear mouth-nose protection while driving,” said Heider-Fischer, press spokeswoman.
Impressions of the trip
Most of the passengers wore mouth-to-nose protection when entering the sky stairs. Some then put it down in the seat or carried it inadequately, for example only over the mouth or chin. Two women in the compartment had no mask or alternative protection over their nose and mouth. All other passengers had the prescribed protection. On the train, attention is drawn to the mandatory mask requirement on signs and continuously on monitors.
Friendly but determined
There are always black sheep, but in the Mariazellerbahn and also in other public transport, see ÖBB, these are becoming more and more common.
“Of course, our passenger advisors and conductors are instructed to point out to passengers without mouth-and-nose protection that they are obligatory to wear in public transport,” said Heider-Fischer. There are no penalties for non-compliance as with the ÖBB at the Niederösterreich Bahnen.
Measures at full capacity
The holiday season has started. Does this increase the risk of overcrowded trains?
Heider-Fischer explains how one is prepared for such scenarios on the part of the Lower Austria railways: “As a safety measure, we do not fully utilize our tourist trains – this means that we only sell a limited contingent. This ensures the necessary minimum distance on the train.”
Down to business:
Mouth and nose protection is mandatory in all public transport and has NOT been abolished. Protect yourself, other passengers and the train staff of the Mariazellerbahn.
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