Liechtenstein says “No” to S-Bahn expansion – Vorarlberg –

A two-way expansion was planned between Tisis and Nendeln, which would have allowed an S-Bahn connection between Feldkirch and Buchs every half hour.

62.3 percent of participating citizens (10,382) voted against the project. 37.7 percent (6,274) approved the joint project. The turnout was 83.5 percent. 20,366 citizens reportedly had the right to vote, according to the official website www.abstektiven.li on Sunday.

The question of financing had been difficult beforehand. However, it was agreed that Austria would bear 66.25 percent (115.6 million euros) of the costs and Liechtenstein 33.75 percent. With the decision now taken by the people of Liechtenstein, the financing of the project and its implementation are now “completely open”, said the provincial councilor of Vorarlberg, Johannes Rauch (Greens). The project would have been particularly important for the 8,500 travelers from Vorarlberg.

The result of the vote is “not good news” both for Vorarlbergers and for Swiss travelers working in Liechtenstein. The road network is overloaded in many places at rush hour, Rauch said. The state council promised to discuss with partners from neighboring regions and the federal government “how we can proceed to ensure the necessary efficiency of rail infrastructure and modern public transportation in this important transportation hub.”

In 2007, a first government agreement was concluded between Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland for the further development of the railway line from Feldkirch to Buchs, and planning work and official procedures were started in 2009. However, due to different views on the financing key, the project was suspended in 2015; the renegotiations only began and ended last year.