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Zurich - Vienna train issues

Posted by (San Antonio Texas) on

Hello,

I bought Sparscheine tickets for my daughter and I to travel from Zurich to Vienna on November 21. Just my luck, there is track repair commencing on November 18. I have received an email from OBB stating the schedule has changed, and there is a button to view alternative schedules.

When I log in and try to change the ticket, I am sent to the regular payment page, with no credit for my previous purchase. Would this be correct? They state the changes on their website, and tell me to view alternative schedules, but I have to purchase two new tickets?
I tried to call OBB Customer Service as indicated in their email, but just sat on hold.

If this is correct, I will proceed. I just wanted to be sure before doing so.

Thanks for any help.
Linda

Posted by
23820 posts

I don't believe you need to buy new tickets. Your existing tickets are still valid on any trains that day. If you had seat reservations, you can change those. It is the north European principle that you purchased a ticket for a route, not a particular train. Once the operator changed the schedule, any restrictions to a particular train are lifted.

Posted by
2735 posts

You don't have to exchange your ticket; just find a new connection. The conductor knows that your original connection no longer exists.

Posted by
4254 posts

You only need to view (consult) alternative connections. You do not need to change your ticket. Your ticket is for "Vienna" to "Zurich", and remains valid, even if the train is cancelled. Tickets are for a route, not as train. That is why OBB instructs you to "view" alternative connections, not to exchange your ticket.

So yes, view the alternative schedule, in order to inform you of when your train runs. If you have reservations and decided to take a different train you can refund them and get new ones. Easiest to do this is at a station.

Note that you need to use trains along more or less the same route. Taking a route through Germany for example is not permitted with your ticket.

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