Many vacancies

Trolleybuses and trains fight for the same staff

The trolleybus returns to its original 10-minute frequency in the fall.(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

The good news is that both Salzburg Linien and ÖBB are currently on a successful search for staff.

Legally, trolleybus drivers are also railroad employees. This means that the criteria are stricter than for other bus drivers. This is a situation that the Salzburg trolleybus service has had to contend with in recent years. Due to the impending wave of retirements at the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), the trolleybus is now also facing competition from the railroad company when it comes to recruiting staff. Nevertheless, it will return to 10-minute intervals at the end of the summer vacation. "We need a total of 300 drivers for this," reports Michael Frostel from Salzburg AG. There are currently 285 in use and 24 in training. This year alone, 400 applications have already been received.

1400 positions to be filled at ÖBB
 The picture is similar at ÖBB. They are looking for employees in all areas. Including train drivers. At the career day a month ago, around 100 interviews were held with potential new train drivers. "There have already been many applications as a result," says Robert Mosser from ÖBB. The first new employees will start their training in mid-August.

The railroad company is looking for personnel in all areas. By 2028, 1400 positions will be filled - an average of 283 per year. Since 2020, 957 people have joined the company.