ÖBB Annual Report 2023

9 Management & Supervisory Board rail capacity by 2040 sounds, the associated construction activities will remain an area of tension. The challenge here is to strike a balance between the need to realise an infrastructure project as quickly and therefore as cost-effectively as possible and the desire to get people and goods to their destination punctually and reliably, i.e. without lengthy disruptions caused by construction works. After all, it is evident that people will only be persuaded to switch from car to rail if their requirements for comfort, reliability and punctuality are better met than with private transport. This is not only in ÖBB’s interest as a mobility service provider, but it is also a responsibility for climate protection, which has been part of ÖBB’s self-image for a long time, and is more important than ever. On that note, and notwithstanding the adverse circumstances, I would like to thank all employees and the Management Board for their achievements in the 2023 financial year which has just ended. I am confident that ÖBB will master the tasks ahead and soon return to its customary quality level. Mag. a Andrea Reithmayer Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of ÖBB-Holding AG “Irrespective of external factors, that have led to this unsatisfactory situation for ÖBB, there is certainly some ‘homework’ which ÖBB should be able to do itself, at least in part.”