ÖBB Annual Report 2025

Group Management Report 166 Österreichische Bundesbahnen-Holding Aktiengesellschaft Consolidated Financial Statements | Group Management Report 123 As part of the 2024 Environmental Noise Action Plan, targeted and corrective actions to reduce noise along the route network will be implemented over the next five years. These relate to new, upgraded, and existing railway lines as well as reinvesting in noise barriers on existing lines. ESRS S3-4.32.a, b Additionally, through research projects, the Infrastructure sub-group is working on future-focused topics aimed at reducing railway noise. The focus here is on – developing innovative noise reduction actions, models for predicting noise propagation, recommendations for suitable noise mitigation actions, evaluating the impact of these actions, and – explaining the noise impacts of the complex wheel-rail interaction and how these can be reduced. Current research projects include “Railway Noise Research 2023–2025” and “LEWE2 – Low-Noise and Low-Vibration Switch 2.” Noise development forecasts take into account future traffic trends, such as traffic projections (e.g. VPÖ 2040+) and transportation policy plans (e.g. mobility master plan), in order to plan and implement suitable noise protection actions in good time. ESRS S3-4.32.d; ESRS S3-4.35 Potential reputational risks are mitigated effectively through the implementation of transparent grievance mechanisms and proactive, open communication. These actions make it possible to respond to concerns and potential problems at an early stage before they have a negative impact on public perception. ESRS S3-4.34.a Other actions relating to affected communities 1) Status 2) Material IRO Low-noise brake blocks The Rail Cargo Group has equipped its freight car fleet with low-noise brake blocks to reduce noise generated by rail freight operations. These brakes result in smoother wheel treads, which significantly reduce rolling noise, cutting the noise levels of freight trains by nearly 50%. With over 99% of its fleet now equipped with low-noise brakes, Rail Cargo Austria AG complies with the legal requirements that came into force in 2024 and operates its wagons on “quieter routes” in accordance with the European TSI Noise regulations. Completed S3-A-1 S3-F-1 Minimization of impacts / vibrations Targeted vehicle-based actions are being implemented to reduce track-induced vibrations and impacts in rail transport. Various factors play a role in this, such as the technical condition of the rolling stock, the weight and speed of the trains, as well as their composition. Regular maintenance and modernization of the vehicles ensures that technical defects are minimized and vibrations are reduced. In addition, an optimized train composition helps to reduce vibrations and improve both passenger comfort and infrastructure protection. Ongoing S3-A-1 S3-F-1 Training and information for employees Employees are trained in and informed about noise-reducing operational management to help reduce railroad noise. Specific noise protection instructions for shunting and operations ensure that noise reduction actions are implemented consistently. This includes, among other things, adjusted driving techniques, the conscious use of signal horns, and optimized shunting technology. Ongoing awareness campaigns and staff training do much to reduce noise pollution for residents and the environment. Ongoing S3-A-1 S3-F-1 1) ESRS 2.MDR-A.68.a, b. 2) ESRS 2.MDR-A.68.c, e. S4 Consumers and end-users ÖBB is keen to offer its customers a growing, safe, secure and accessible mobility service. To this end, the Group identifies needs early on, gets its customers actively involved in the development process, and maintains regular communication with interest groups. Overview The following chapter presents the concepts, targets and actions with which the Group reduces negative impacts and promotes positive effects. In accordance with the ESRS requirements, actions to prevent or reduce negative impacts on “consumers and end-users” are reported here as preventive or mitigating actions instead of “positive impacts.” The following significant actual or potential impacts, risks and opportunities for the ÖBB Group resulted from the double materiality analysis. | MR123 E.  Non-financial statement E.1. General information E.2. Environmental inform ation E.3. Social information E.4. Governance information E.5. ESRS index