ÖBB Annual Report 2023

85 Group Management Report Österreichische Bundesbahnen-Holding Aktiengesellschaft Consolidated Financial Statements | Group Management Report 40 Increased inter- and intramodal competition Increased inter- and intramodal competition – also in the domestic market – needs to be expected. “Europe will come to Austria.“ New technologies and new legislation are fundamentally changing the market. The integrated ÖBB Group has great potential to further develop the mobility market as a system and to compete against new players. The labour market is a major challenge The effects of generation change and the resulting shortage of staff are becoming more and more noticeable. Job profiles change and so do the necessary skills. The situation on the labour market will continue to worsen. Above all, the shortage of skilled workers is a major challenge for the operational business. ÖBB’s positioning as an attractive employer remains an essential success factor. Further details are provided in chapter G. Sustainability report. Passenger transport: ÖBB as a holistic, sustainable mobility service provider As the clear number one mobility provider in Austria, ÖBB stands for quality from Austria. ÖBB, with its comprehensive mobility services for all customers, is the central pillar of public transport in Austria and acts as a strong player in Europe: – ÖBB puts its customers at the centre and guarantees a reliable and high-quality mobility service, regardless of whether the services are provided locally, regionally, nationally or internationally. – Mobility is not just confined to the railway station. ÖBB takes a holistic approach to mobility from door to door and ensures the easiest possible access to all means of public transport for all customers. Innovative solutions for the first and last mile play a key role here. – Sustainability is not just a buzzword at ÖBB, but an essential feature of the services offered. As one of the largest climate change mitigation companies in Austria, ÖBB makes a decisive contribution to achieving climate protection targets. – ÖBB is a central leading company, strengthens Austria as a business location and actively plays its role in social development. – As an Austrian group in international markets, ÖBB is a sought-after employer domestic and abroad. The strategy of the Passenger Transport subgroup identifies four business areas and is focussed on these: 1. Business line: Competitive railway company Reliability and high quality leadership are the cornerstones of success. A modern fleet of vehicles will also continue to offer a high level of travelling comfort on public rail transport in the future. The consistent increase in cost efficiency ensures competitiveness as a basic prerequisite for a comprehensive range of transport services on the railways in proprietary and public service networks. As an international quality carrier, it offers an attractive cross-border day and night service together with international co-operation partners. 2. Business line: Competitive bus company Österreichische Postbus Aktiengesellschaft is the go-to partner for sustainable regional mobility on Austria’s roads and beyond. It is a competent and trustworthy partner for municipalities and associations, offering a high level of service and quality and efficient use of resources. In addition to handling scheduled services, Österreichische Postbus Aktiengesellschaft supports the organisation of major events, offers tourism regions an essential mobility component in the form of ski bus services and is responsible for handling rail replacement services. The on-demand Postbus shuttle from Österreichische Postbus Aktiengesellschaft complements the existing public transport system by offering a nationwide mobility service. 3. Business line: I ntegrated mobility Currently, the main competition for public transport is motorised private transport – both for short and long distances. Offers that make private car ownership redundant are needed to motivate people to use public transport in the long term. Mobility is therefore to be considered as a whole and as an integrated mobility service. It is ÖBB’s job to organise customer mobility from the first to the last mile. ÖBB works with municipalities, regions, cities and companies to develop and implement concepts for intermodal mobility. The aim is to be in a position to meet the needsof all customers along the entire mobility chain, whether bus, shuttle, train, e-car sharing, bike or e-scooter. MR40 |