AUSTRIAN open-access operator Westbahn has announced it will introduce additional Friday, Saturday and Sunday peak services between Vienna and Linz from October 2 to accommodate rising demand.

AUSTRIAN open-access operator Westbahn will purchase 10 additional Kiss EMUs from Stadler in a €180m deal announced by Mr Peter Haselsteiner, director of Rail Holding, Westbahn's parent company.

THE European Commission announced on November 26 that it has launched infringement proceedings against Austria at the European Court of Justice for failing to comply with EU regulations on financial transparency in the rail sector.

AUSTRIAN railfreight continued to suffer the effects of the prolonged economic downturn last year according to annual figures released by Austria's rail regulator Schienen-Control, which also show a strong increase in passenger traffic.

JUST two years after launching its Vienna – Linz – Salzburg services, Austrian open-access operator Westbahn reached break-even last year according to the company's annual results, which were revealed on June 26.

AUSTRIAN open-access long-distance operator Westbahn announced on May 13 that it has pulled out of the European Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), accusing the association of blocking liberalisation and market opening.

THE finances of Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) continued to improve last year according to the railway's newly-published annual results, which show a continuation of the turnaround achieved in 2012.

AFTER several years of poor or mixed results, Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) achieved a strong turnaround in 2012 with a return to profitability.

RAILHOLDING, the 100% owner of Austrian open-access passenger operator Westbahn has increased its capital stock by €20 million following an injection of funds from Strabag CEO Mr Peter Haselsteiner.