Political ticker: Citizens’ initiative mobilization, criticism of “green e-bus cheering message”
The interim result of the citizens’ initiative “Yes to the trail, but not like that!” out. Gabi Berchtold and Norbert Ried have already collected around 1,000 signatures. Now the mobilization is further increased and Mayor Willi to comment. There is criticism of the “green e-bus cheering message”, an examination of the facts is required.
INNSBRUCK. SPÖ club chairman and GR Helmut Buchacher cannot gain anything from the jubilant message from the green club chairwoman Janine Bex about the purchase of 15 electric buses just so that the quota for the EU decarbonisation requirement is met. Buchacher:
“The upcoming elections are obviously in the foreground here, instead of a far-sighted system decision for an environmentally friendly public transport operation for Innsbruck and the surrounding area. The Greens were already there when the trolleybus system was abolished for the second time without acquiring any conscientious specialist knowledge.”
Buchacher is skeptical here and calls for a more precise one examination of the facts. Because there are still many unanswered questions: Where will e-buses be used? Is the increased use of vehicles and personnel taken into account? How do you fix the staff shortage? Is there sufficient power supply? Where are battery buses parked in view of the risk of fire? How long do the batteries last and how are they disposed of? The manufacture of e-buses should also not be considered. Buchacher uses the city of Genoa as a comparison: “The outrageously expensive e-bus experiment was canceled here and replaced by O-bus lines (trolley buses). Therefore, until all questions have been clarified, I demand that the municipal council be presented with an economic and ecological comparison for a system decision by independent experts,” concludes Buchacher.
Hofwald Trail
The citizens’ initiative “YES to the trail, but not THAT way!” was a success. Gabi Berchtold and Norbert Ried the signature lists, which are available in the Hötting Parish Office, the Hötting Parish Church and on the Höttinger picture, have already drawn almost 1,000 signatures. Now the mobilization is further expanded. There is sharp criticism of Mayor Georg Willi in an open letter, he was also asked to comment.
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