As you all know Vienna has an island - rather large- in the middle of the Danube. It stretches over 14km and is very green and nice. On a weekend in June every year the town of Vienna organizes an openair festival with plenty of concerts of all kind on this island and this year alone 3 Million people came. It's the largest european open air festival and it's for free.
Now the OEBB (austrian train company) offered reduced tickets throughout Austria to get there. Significantly reduced. They sold plenty even in advance. now you would think they would be prepared for more customers. Think again.
They were not. They didn't have enough trains and neither the trains nor the platforms could take those masses of people that by the way had already purchased their tickets. Well... so smart OEBB had an idea....guess what?.... yes they called the police. Made people leave the train and the train platforms. Now this was friday - and it gives you an idea of Austrians who still waited patiently until they somehow made it to Vienna by train. Well anyway.
Sunday arrives people want to go back home and you would think that the train company has learnt. Well they hadn't or maybe a little. I think they just had the phone number of the police handy... but more trains? that would have been too much thinking to ask for especially because nobody of those customers chased by the police is complaining.
Have a great day!
Barbara
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Hello Barbara,
I posted a comment about this-but dont know where it went-someplace in cyberspace!
Sounds like the type of thing that happens here in the US with Amtrak!I feel bad for all of those people who traveled for the Fest. They have it every year, so the OBB shoud have planned for it. I think the people who missed the train and had paid for the service should sue the OBB. As you know, that is what everyone does in the US. At least, if the OBB knew they were going to be sued and have to pay up, they might provide better service.
Hope you all are staying cool today in hot Wien!
susanvon
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