The Austrian Federal Railways are again issuing the network card for young people this year. But there is a significant deterioration for the young people, because this can sometimes only be used if paid seat reservations are purchased at a price of three euros per trip and person.

Regional transport can also be used without a seat reservation, as there is no option to reserve a seat on such trains. In long-distance transport (e.g. Railjet, Intercity, Eurocity or express trains), young people have to make paid reservations on Friday to Sunday. Otherwise the summer ticket is not valid. Reservations are always required on the intercity buses between Graz and Klagenfurt, even during the week.

The ÖBB's approach is quite surprising, because just a few weeks ago, reservations were ruled out. The fact that one is now trying to generate additional income from young people and young adults is quite strange. However, the federal railways do not see this as a problem and point out, among other things, that they want to prevent overcrowded trains. Furthermore: if you buy the summer ticket online with the customer account, there should be five seat reservations. However, young people and young adults who buy traditionally at the counter or vending machine are at a disadvantage, because this "encore" is not available here.

The ÖBB summer ticket can be bought by people under the age of 20 for 34 euros. People up to the age of 26 pay 59 euros. In contrast to the past, it has not been valid for the entire summer holidays for a few years now, but only for 30 days. The trains of Regiojet, Westbahn, City Airport Train and some other private railways are not included. The competitor Westbahn has a similar offer for young people, however, this can also be used without a seat reservation.