175 years - Austria / II. Republic of Austria 2012 - 90 Euro Cent

This special stamp is certainly a philatelic highlight for all railway enthusiasts, as it commemorates the 175th anniversary of the "Railway for Austria". The motive of the new 0.90 euro stamp shows the anniversary branded train, a modern railjet of the ÖBB, specially branded for this occasion. The 175-year history of the Austrian rail transport goes back to the year 1827, when the opening of the first section of the Linz-Budweis horse-drawn railway took place. The true birth of the railway in our country struck, however, only on November 23, 1837, as brought on the 13-kilometer route between Floridsdorf and German Wagram of the steam locomotive "Austria" train his passengers safely to their destination. The fact is, no other Austrian mass transit has a tradition as long as the railroad. Under the motto "No future without origin", many railways will use the anniversary as an opportunity to pay tribute to the beginnings of railways in Austria. For example, the member organizations of the Association of Austrian Museum and Tourist Railways are making an effort to present the history of railways in an attractive and lively way with their historically valuable vehicles and exhibits. In addition to the scheduled nostalgic train operation and the seasonal program, innumerable special events on the subject of railways will take place throughout the year. The round anniversary not only gives reason to review the eventful history, but also a look into the future is of great importance: As a safe, environmentally friendly, fast and, above all, reliable means of transport, the railways will become the backbone even more than today of passenger and freight traffic; After all, around 700,000 people use the Austrian railways every day. The extensive investment program of more than two billion euros annually includes the construction and renovation of numerous stations throughout the country and the further expansion of large corridors and modern efficient routes, in short: the creation of even more climate-friendly mobility in Austria. The ambitious goal is "sustainable effects" so that the train will be even faster on its next birthday and carry far more passengers and goods than it already does today.