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Erwin Reidinger

September 10, 2018 | Rolling stock

ÖBB and Siemens present battery-electric multiple unit

AUSTRIAN Federal Railways (ÖBB) and Siemens unveiled the prototype Desiro ML battery-electric multiple unit in Vienna on September 10.

September 4, 2018 | Locomotives

ÖBB Vectrons authorised for operation in Italy

ITALY’s National Railway Safety Agency (ANSF) has authorised Austrian Federal Railways’ (ÖBB) new Siemens class 1293 Vectron locomotives for commercial operation on the Italian main line network.

September 3, 2018 | Light Rail

Gmunden tram link completed

THE isolation of Austria’s oldest and shortest tram system came to an end on September 1 with the inauguration of the final section of the link between the Gmunden tramway and Gmunden - Vorchdorf Traunsee Line.

July 20, 2018 | Rolling stock

Siemens selected for ÖBB long-distance train order

AUSTRIAN Federal Railways (ÖBB) confirmed on July 20 that Siemens has submitted the best offer for a framework contract to supply a new fleet of long-distance trains, which includes new vehicles for Nightjet overnight services.

The contract will include an initial order for 21 trains worth around €375m.

July 3, 2018 | Europe

Austrian narrow gauge line to be modernised

THE government of the Austrian province of Styria has announced plans to modernise the 65km narrow-gauge Mur Valley Railway from Unzmarkt to Tamsweg after proposals to convert the line to standard gauge were rejected on cost grounds.

May 16, 2018 | Main line

Westbahn applies to extend services to Munich

AUSTRIAN open-access operator Westbahn has applied to the Austrian rail regulator Schienencontrol to extend its Vienna - Salzburg service to Munich. The German rail regulator is expected to publish a similar application in due course.

May 15, 2018 | Rolling stock

Zillertalbahn orders Stadler hydrogen-powered trains

AUSTRIA's narrow-gauge Zillertalbahn announced on May 15 that Stadler is the successful bidder for a €80m contract to supply five hydrogen fuel cell multiple-units.

April 30, 2018 | Freight

First freight train from Chengdu arrives in Vienna

A ceremony was held at Vienna South container terminal on April 27 to mark the arrival of the first intermodal freight train from Chengdu after a 14-day journey on the 9800km route from China.

April 26, 2018 | Financial

ÖBB financial results improve

AUSTRIAN Federal Railways (ÖBB) earnings reached their second-highest level in the company’s history in 2017, according its annual results, which were published on April 26.

March 26, 2018 | Europe

Budget cuts delay Austrian rail projects

AUSTRIA’s new federal government published its 2018-2019 budget on March 21, revealing various cuts including a reduction in expenditure on railway infrastructure.