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WESTbahn
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Westbahn Management GmbH (a subsidiary of RAIL Holding AG) is an open access railway company operating express train services on Austria's Western Railway (also known as Westbahn) since 11 December 2011. The French railway company SNCF has a 17.4 percent stake in Westbahn.
The associated company WESTbus became a part of the Flixbus network.[1]
Services
[edit]On 11 December 2011, Westbahn formally commenced operations on the Vienna–Salzburg route, becoming the first open-access operator to enter Austria's domestic long-distance railway market.[2] It is operated in direct competition with the government-owned ÖBB, which promptly started offering heavily-discount fares on the same route. In response, Westbahn also introduced its own discounts on weekend fares; while a healthy level of ridership was reported by July 2012, revenue levels were stated to be below the levels that had been anticipated.[3]
Westbahn initially operated a single service between Vienna and Salzburg over a distance of 308 kilometres (191 mi). Typically running in one-hour intervals, this service called at Wien Westbahnhof, Wien Hütteldorf, St. Pölten Hbf, Amstetten, Linz Hbf, Wels Hbf, Attnang-Puchheim and Salzburg Hbf. From its start of operation until September 2013, the service had also continued to Salzburg Taxham Europark and Freilassing due to the rebuilding of Salzburg Hbf.[4][5]
During the 2010s, Westbahn often spoke out on legislative bias towards state-owned operators and the need for reform to favour the travelling public and competitive forces.[6] In November 2012, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) found that the Austrian infrastructure manager ÖBB Infrastructure had acted unlawfully in preventing Westbahn's access of real-time data on train movements of other operators, hindering its operations.[7] During November 2019, Austria's Federal Administrative Court ruled in favour of a complaint made by Westbahn as to how track access charges were being calculated and approved by the Austrian rail regular Schienen-Control; as a consequence, the charges for track access between 2011 and 2017 were recalculated to lower values.[8] That same year, the ECJ also ruled in favour of Westbahn against the inclusion of station access charges in the area access packages that the company was purchasing.[9]
In August 2019, it was announced that Westbahn would take on the open-access operations on the Vienna - Brno - Prague route from incumbent operator RegioJet on 15 December of that year.[10]
During November 2020, it was announced that the Austrian government had temporarily reintroduced subsidies on the Vienna - Salzberg route for multiple operators, including Westbahn; this measures was taken largely in response to the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Westbahn observed that this measure prevented further redundancies from becoming necessary amid the short term downturn in passenger travel during multiple national lockdowns.[11][12] For this period, tickets were mutually accepted by both ÖBB and Westbahn. During February 2021, the company publicly appealed for subsidies to continue, stating that it would otherwise be compelled to half the frequency of its services;[13] a two month extension of the subsidies for both Westbahn and was agreed shortly thereafter.[14]
On 8 April 2022, Westbahn expanded its service westwards into neighbouring Germany, initially operating four daily trains that served Munich East station and München Hauptbahnhof beyond Salzburg.[15] This expansion had originally been announced in November 2018.[16] In December 2022, Westbahn expanded three of its services from Salzburg to Innsbruck, which also serve both Kufstein and Wörgl.[17]
In December 2023, Westbahn extends one Wien-Innsbruck return trip further west to Bregenz.[18]
December 2024 sees the extension of two Wien-Munich trips west to Stuttgart, and the extension of a Wien-Innsbruck return trip to Lindau-Insel via Bregenz.[19]
In March 2025, Westbahn announces the start of a new line between Wien Hauptbahnhof and Villach via Graz in March 2026, alongside with the introduction of new Stadler SMILE trainsets.[20]
The current network, timetable and travel updates are published on the official website.[21]
Trains
[edit]By 2013, the company's fleet consists of seven Stadler KISS bilevel trains, each with six coaches, a total length of 150 metres, a top-speed of 200 km/h, acceleration of 0.85 m/s² and a capacity of 501 leather seats.[22] The passengers are able to use WLAN for free on the trains.[23] Every coach is serviced by an attendant, while 85 percent of Westbahn's 200 employees are on-board staff. Each train is provisioned with a dining car outfitted with eight seats and vending machines that dispense both cold and warm beverages. Snacks are available for purchase as well. One of the coaches is permanently reserved for premium passengers and is branded WESTbahn Plus.
On 11 May 2015, WESTbahn announced it had plans to place a €180m order for ten additional Stadler KISS double-deck electric multiple-units, comprising nine four-car sets and a single six-car set.[24] Competition for this order included the Chinese rolling stock manufacturer CRRC Zhuzhou.[25] During October 2019, the company placed an €300m order with Stadler for 15 six-car KISS EMUs that would replace its existing fleet of 17 double-deck KISS sets, which Westbahn sold to Deutsche Bahn. These new EMUs are configured with a new class - Comfort Class 2+ - as well as being lighter and more efficient than most contemporary rolling stock, it is also equipped with ETCS Level 2 Baseline 3.[25][26] During September 2021, the first of these new-built KISS sets entered service on the Vienna - Salzburg route; all examples were in service by the end of the year. Their arrival facilitated the launch of new services.[25]
In June 2021, Westbahn confirmed that it was working with CRRC Zhuzhou to develop additional rolling stock that it planned to lease to supplement its KISS fleet.[27] The CRRC DDEMU2 or Class 4100 will constitute six-car units, comprising two motor and four trailer cars, possess a maximum speed of 200km/h, and be capable of operating under both 15kV and 25kV AC overhead electrification. Each six-car unit will have 571 seats grouped into two classes, and be equipped with vending machines, wheelchair and bicycle storage areas, and onboard WiFi.[28] Many subsystems and components are drawn from European supplies as to ease operator logistics. The EMUs have been designed so that they can be used in multiple countries.[27] In July 2022, the first of Westbahn's CRRC-built Class 4100 arrived at the Velim railway test circuit in the Czech Republic to undergo vehicle acceptance training; while the train was designed and manufactured in China, it is required to fully conform with European Union standards, including the relevant Technical Specifications for Interoperability.[28]
RAIL Holding AG
[edit]On 5 June 2012, CEO Stefan Wehinger, a former ÖBB director, resigned on diverging views about the company's strategy and sold his stake in Westbahn.[3] Erich Forster, the company's former sales manager, took on the role of CEO thereafter.[29] The board of directors includes Benedikt Weibel (Chairman), Hans Peter Haselsteiner, Erhard F. Grossnigg and Frank Bernard.
In November 2018, the ownership of Westbahn was divided between the Haselsteiner Family-Private Foundation (49.9%), Augusta Holding (Switzerland) (32.7%) (Augusta is held by Haselsteiner, Wehinger and company Oldro AG), and SNCF (France) (17.4%).[30] In November 2019, SNCF announced that it was increasing its stake in the company from 17.4 percent to 25.3 percent, pending regulatory approval.[31] As of 31 December 2024, SNCF still holds a 17% stake in the company.[32]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "WESTbus". Flixbus.at. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
- ^ Barrow, Keith (14 December 2011). "Westbahn starts Austrian open-access service". International Railway Journal.
- ^ a b Reidinger, Erwin (4 July 2012). "Wehinger sells Westbahn stake". International Railway Journal.
- ^ "About us". Westbahn. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
- ^ "Westbahn nicht mehr bis Freilassing". Bahn-Report (in German) (5/2013). Interessengemeinschaft Schienenverkehr e.V., Rohr: 32. ISSN 0178-4528.
- ^ "Westbahn says proposed EU reforms favour incumbents, not passengers".
- ^ Vosman, Quintus (27 November 2012). "European Court rules on ÖBB-Westbahn train data case". International Railway Journal.
- ^ Reidinger, Erwin (11 November 2019). "Austrian court rules in favour of lower access charges". International Railway Journal.
- ^ Burroughs, David (12 July 2019). "ECJ rules Westbahn cannot be charged extra for station access". International Railway Journal.
- ^ Burroughs, David (5 August 2019). "Regiojet's Vienna - Prague service". International Railway Journal.
- ^ Smith, Kevin (16 November 2020). "ÖBB and Westbahn secure Austrian government support". International Railway Journal.
- ^ Smith, Kevin (26 November 2020). "EC approves Austrian Covid relief measures for operators". International Railway Journal.
- ^ Smith, Kevin (10 February 2021). "Westbahn pleads for extension to Vienna - Salzburg emergency provision". International Railway Journal.
- ^ Smith, Kevin (15 February 2021). "ÖBB and Westbahn secure government subsidy extension". International Railway Journal.
- ^ "Westbahn". westbahn.at. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
- ^ Burroughs, David (12 November 2018). "Westbahn and Meridian announce direct Vienna - Munich services". International Railway Journal.
- ^ Smith, Kevin (14 September 2022). "Westbahn expands to Innsbruck". International Railway Journal. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
- ^ Newton, Jonathan (20 November 2023). "Westbahn extends services to Bregenz".
- ^ Railway Gazette International (24 October 2024). "Austria's Westbahn adds more destinations amid growing ridership". Railway Gazette International. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ Smith, Kevin (12 March 2025). "Westbahn orders high-speed fleet to grow network". International Railway Journal. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ "Timetable & Travel Updates". westbahn.at. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
- ^ KISS electrical double-deck railcar – for Westbahn Management GmbH, Austria Archived 2013-01-24 at the Wayback Machine data sheet (PDF) from Stadler Altenrhein AG
- ^ "ÖBB-Konkurrent "Westbahn" startet mit kostenlosem Wlan" (in German). Der Standard. 21 June 2011. Retrieved 2 May 2012.
- ^ "Westbahn to order more trains". railwaygazette.com. 12 May 2015. Archived from the original on 31 March 2017. Retrieved 24 December 2016.
- ^ a b c Burroughs, David (8 September 2021). "Westbahn presents first double-deck Kiss 3 EMUs". International Railway Journal.
- ^ Burroughs, David (30 October 2019). "Stadler fends off Chinese competition to win Westbahn contract". International Railway Journal.
- ^ a b Smith, Kevin (3 June 2021). "Westbahn working with CRRC Zhuzhou on four new trains". International Railway Journal.
- ^ a b Vosman, Quintus (24 June 2022). "CRRC double-deck EMU for Westbahn completes first run at Velim". International Railway Journal.
- ^ "Personalrochade Fliegender Wechsel bie der Westbahn". DerStandard.at.
- ^ "Shareholder » RAIL Holding AG".
- ^ Reidinger, Erwin (8 November 2019). "SNCF to increase stake in Westbahn following EMU dispute". International Railway Journal.
- ^ SNCF Group Annual Financial Report 2024 (PDF). SNCF. 15 March 2025. p. 385. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
External links
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WESTbahn
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
WESTbahn Management GmbH is an Austrian open-access railway operator providing express passenger train services on the Western Railway line, primarily connecting Vienna with Salzburg, Innsbruck, and extending to Munich and other destinations in Germany.[1] Established in 2008 amid European Union rail liberalization efforts, it commenced operations on December 11, 2011, as the first private competitor to the state-owned ÖBB on this major corridor, offering high-frequency services up to every 30 minutes with a focus on affordability and customer-oriented features like onboard Wi-Fi and flexible ticketing.[1][2]
The company, a subsidiary of Rail Holding AG, has disrupted the Austrian rail market by capturing significant market share through competitive pricing and service innovations, achieving its first profits in 2014 and recording a record turnover of approximately €120 million in 2023 amid rising ridership.[3][4] WESTbahn operates a fleet of modern electric multiple units, emphasizing punctuality and passenger comfort, while integrating with national passes like the KlimaTicket Österreich to promote sustainable travel.[5] Its entry has spurred improvements in overall service quality on the route but also highlighted infrastructure access challenges in a market dominated by the incumbent ÖBB.[2]
Notable controversies include protracted legal disputes with ÖBB over track access charges, station advertising rights, and data sharing, culminating in European Court of Justice rulings that have shaped regulatory practices for open-access operators in Austria and the EU.[6][7] WESTbahn has accused ÖBB of anticompetitive practices, such as subsidized pricing and discriminatory infrastructure fees, prompting investigations by EU antitrust authorities and reinforcing the need for equitable conditions to foster competition.[8][9] These conflicts underscore the tensions between private entrants and state monopolies in liberalized rail sectors, with WESTbahn advocating for transparent and cost-based infrastructure pricing.[10]
Such trends highlight WESTbahn's role in stimulating competition, with passenger growth outpacing national averages in its niche routes, though sustained profitability depends on regulatory stability and infrastructure access.[80]
History
Founding and Early Development (2008–2011)
WESTbahn Management GmbH was established in 2008 as the first operational subsidiary of Rail Holding AG, created to capitalize on European Union rail liberalization and introduce private competition on Austria's Vienna–Salzburg corridor, which had been monopolized by the state-owned ÖBB.[11] Rail Holding AG itself was founded on 16 October 2008, with initial equal ownership of 50% each by Stefan Wehinger—a former executive director of ÖBB-Personenverkehr AG from October 2004 to March 2008—and construction magnate Hans Peter Haselsteiner, who provided key financial backing.[12] Wehinger, leveraging his ÖBB experience, drove the initiative to develop high-quality, customer-focused services emphasizing punctuality, comfort, and affordability to challenge ÖBB's dominance.[13] Early efforts focused on securing regulatory approvals and infrastructure access. On 30 June 2009, WESTbahn signed a framework agreement with ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG allocating track capacity for services from 2011 to 2016, enabling planned hourly operations on the 300 km route.[12] Concurrently, in June 2009, the company placed an order for seven six-car double-deck electric multiple units (Class 4010 KISS) from Stadler Rail, valued implicitly through subsequent financing arrangements spanning 2009–2014, with deliveries timed for the 2011 launch to support up to 501 passengers per train at speeds of 230 km/h.[14] These acquisitions addressed fleet needs for competitive travel times of approximately 2.5 hours between Vienna Westbahnhof and Salzburg Hauptbahnhof.[12] Regulatory progress advanced with the issuance of a safety certificate and operational authorisation from Austria's Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology, prerequisites for market entry under EU directives.[10] In August 2011, French state railway SNCF Voyageurs acquired a 26% stake in Rail Holding AG for €20 million, bolstering capital for pre-launch investments in staff training, ticketing systems, and marketing while signaling international confidence in the venture.[15] By late 2011, these steps positioned WESTbahn for its inaugural services on 11 December, marking Austria's first open-access passenger operator.[16]Operational Launch and Initial Expansion (2012–2019)
Following the inaugural service on 11 December 2011, WESTbahn established its initial operations in 2012 along the Vienna–Salzburg corridor, providing the first open-access passenger rail competition to the state monopoly ÖBB on Austria's Western Railway line. Services departed from Wien Westbahnhof, serving intermediate stops at St. Pölten Hbf, Amstetten Hbf, Linz Hbf, Wels Hbf, and Attnang-Puchheim before terminating at Salzburg Hbf, with initial frequencies offering multiple daily connections to capture market share through competitive pricing and customer-focused amenities.[17][1] The operator deployed a fleet of Stadler KISS double-deck electric multiple units (EMUs), designed for high capacity and comfort, enabling efficient service delivery on the electrified 1435 mm gauge tracks with speeds up to 230 km/h where infrastructure permitted. Early years saw steady ridership growth, driven by aggressive marketing, onboard Wi-Fi, and flexible ticketing, which pressured ÖBB to enhance its offerings in response to the competitive entry. By 2017, WESTbahn announced plans to expand services, including additional peak-hour trains between Vienna and Linz on weekends to meet rising demand.[18][19] In December 2017, coinciding with the timetable change on 10 December, WESTbahn doubled its overall service frequency, significantly boosting capacity and aiming for 10 million annual passengers amid continued network consolidation on the core route. This expansion was supported by the introduction of additional Stadler KISS 2-car sets, enhancing seating availability and operational flexibility. Further fleet commitments in 2019 included a €300 million order for 15 six-car KISS 3 trains, intended to underpin sustained growth, though subsequent financial pressures led to partial divestment.[20][21]Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Recovery (2020–2022)
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted WESTbahn's operations, leading to sharp declines in passenger demand and revenue. In 2020, the company recorded a net loss of €6.5 million, a stark reversal from the €16 million profit achieved in 2019, amid widespread travel restrictions and lockdowns across Austria.[22] This financial strain prompted workforce reductions, with 49 staff positions eliminated.[22] To mitigate service disruptions on the critical Vienna-Salzburg corridor, the Austrian Ministry of Transport awarded temporary public service obligation (PSO) contracts to both WESTbahn and ÖBB in April 2020. Under these agreements, the operators alternated hourly services, with each providing a train every two hours to maintain connectivity despite low ridership.[23][24] These measures ensured continued operations but reflected the inability of open-access providers like WESTbahn to sustain full commercial schedules without state intervention. Government support extended into 2021 as demand recovery lagged. In February 2021, WESTbahn announced plans to cut services by more than 50% effective February 16 unless subsidies were prolonged, citing unsustainable economics post-emergency aid expiration.[22] Following advocacy, subsidies were renewed, enabling half-hourly Vienna-Salzburg frequencies until at least April 7, 2021, which helped stabilize operations during prolonged restrictions.[25] By late 2021 and into 2022, incremental demand rebound supported partial recovery, bolstered by easing pandemic measures and sustained public funding. Passenger volumes on Austrian private rail lines, including WESTbahn routes, rose to over 11 million in 2022 from pandemic lows, signaling market stabilization though full pre-2020 levels were not yet restored.[26] This period marked a transition from acute crisis management to rebuilding, with WESTbahn leveraging PSO frameworks to preserve its competitive presence against ÖBB amid broader European rail sector losses exceeding €26 billion in 2020.[27]Recent Growth and Route Extensions (2023–present)
In December 2023, WESTbahn extended one daily round-trip service from Vienna to Innsbruck further westward to Bregenz, enhancing connectivity to Vorarlberg and reducing travel times on the route.[28] This adjustment supported growing ridership, with the operator reporting record passenger numbers that fueled further expansion ambitions amid competition with state-owned ÖBB.[29] By December 15, 2024, WESTbahn doubled its direct Vienna-Vorarlberg connections to two daily round trips and extended two of its five daily Vienna-Munich services further into Germany, reaching Stuttgart via stops at Augsburg, Günzburg, and Ulm; these extensions shortened Vienna-Stuttgart journey times to approximately 6.5 hours.[30][31] The updated timetable also introduced higher frequencies on core domestic routes and optimized schedules for faster Vorarlberg access, reflecting sustained post-pandemic demand and operational efficiencies.[32] On March 12, 2025, WESTbahn announced a major network expansion for March 1, 2026, introducing five daily high-speed round trips on the southern route from Vienna to Villach via Graz and Klagenfurt, utilizing the newly opened Koralm Tunnel for speeds up to 250 km/h.[33] To support this, the company signed a contract with Stadler for three SMILE electric multiple units capable of 250 km/h operations, with potential for additional units based on demand; these trains are slated for integration into service less than two years after ordering.[34] Management highlighted the move as a direct challenge to ÖBB's subsidized dominance, aiming to capture market share through competitive pricing and frequency while criticizing uneven infrastructure access.[35]Ownership and Corporate Structure
RAIL Holding AG and Founding Stakeholders
RAIL Holding AG, established on October 16, 2008, serves as the parent entity overseeing WESTbahn Management GmbH, the operational arm of the private railway venture aimed at providing open-access passenger services on Austria's Western Railway corridor following EU rail liberalization.[12][36] The company was initially founded by Stefan Wehinger, a former executive director at Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), and Hans Peter Haselsteiner, chairman of the construction firm ILBAU, with each holding a 50% stake to capitalize on market opportunities for competition against the state incumbent.[37][13][12] This partnership leveraged Wehinger's rail industry expertise and Haselsteiner's financial resources from construction, positioning RAIL Holding AG to develop WESTbahn as Austria's first significant private intercity operator without relying on subsidies.[37][13] In 2011, French state railway SNCF acquired a 26% minority stake in RAIL Holding AG, providing capital for fleet acquisition and expansion while retaining majority control with the founders; however, Wehinger divested his shares in 2012 to the remaining stakeholders, consolidating Haselsteiner's influence.[37][38]Current Shareholding and Governance
RAIL Holding AG holds 100% of WESTbahn Management GmbH, the operating entity of WESTbahn services.[39] As of the latest available data, the shareholding structure of RAIL Holding AG consists of the Haselsteiner Familien-Privatstiftung with 49.90%, Kolomani Holding GmbH with 32.70%, and SNCF Voyage Développement SAS with 17.40%.[1] This structure reflects stability since at least March 2024, with no reported changes through 2025. Governance of WESTbahn Management GmbH is directed by a management board comprising DI Thomas Posch as Managing Director and Speaker of the Board, and Marco Ramsbacher MSc as Managing Director.[1] Posch and Ramsbacher also serve in dual roles as board members (Vorstand) of RAIL Holding AG, overseeing strategic decisions for the parent entity.[40] The supervisory board (Aufsichtsrat) of RAIL Holding AG is chaired by Dr. Andreas J. Ludwig, with owner representatives including Anna-Theresa Korbutt, Andreas Nadler, and Jean-Baptiste Guenot.[1] This board provides oversight on behalf of the shareholders, ensuring alignment with operational and financial objectives.[41]Services and Routes
Core Domestic Network
The core domestic network of WESTbahn centers on the electrified Western Railway line, providing high-frequency intercity services from Wien Westbahnhof (with some departures from Wien Hütteldorf) to Salzburg Hbf, covering approximately 300 kilometers in 2 hours and 28 minutes.[42][43] Trains on this route stop at major intermediate stations including St. Pölten, Amstetten, Linz Hbf, Wels Hbf, and Attnang-Puchheim, enabling connections to regional networks.[44] Services operate up to twice hourly, with 27 daily direct runs between Vienna and Salzburg as of late 2024, emphasizing punctual, double-deck rolling stock for capacity.[45][46] Beyond Salzburg, select trains extend northwest along the Arlberg Railway to Innsbruck Hbf (adding about 1 hour 40 minutes, total journey from Vienna around 4 hours 10 minutes) and further to Bregenz (serving Vorarlberg, with total Vienna travel time exceeding 5 hours).[42] These extensions target Tyrol and Vorarlberg populations, with fewer daily services—typically 5-10 trains to Innsbruck and fewer to Bregenz—supplementing the denser core corridor.[31] All domestic operations utilize Austria's standard 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC electrification, with WESTbahn trains competing directly against ÖBB on shared tracks under regulated access rights. Service reliability on the core network has improved post-2022 recovery, with on-time performance often exceeding 90% in 2024, driven by dedicated maintenance slots and digital signaling upgrades.[47] As of December 2024, enhancements include a new daily midnight Vienna-Salzburg train and increased frequencies on select legs, reflecting rising ridership amid modal shift from road travel.[46] Future domestic expansions, such as to Saalfelden from 2025, remain peripheral to this established western axis.[29]International Connections and Partnerships
WESTbahn initiated cross-border passenger services into Germany on April 8, 2022, initially operating four daily trains from Salzburg to Munich East and Mühldorf am Inn, marking the company's first expansion beyond Austria.[48] By December 2022, these services extended further, connecting Vienna, Linz, and Salzburg to Munich, with onward links to destinations in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.[48] Current operations include up to five daily pairs from Munich via Rosenheim and Salzburg to Vienna, with extensions to Augsburg, Ulm, and Stuttgart, utilizing the existing rail infrastructure without dedicated international corridors.[47][49] These German routes complement WESTbahn's domestic network, offering through-ticketing options such as the DeutschlandPlusTicket for reduced fares to southern Germany and the KlimaPlus-Ticket, which incentivizes low-emission travel.[49][50] Interrail and Eurail Global Passes are valid across the entire WESTbahn network in Austria and Germany, facilitating seamless multi-country journeys, though subject to pass provider conditions.[51] No direct services extend to Switzerland, Italy, or other neighboring countries, limiting international reach to Germany via the Bavarian border.[42] In terms of partnerships, WESTbahn has integrated its ticketing with third-party platforms to enhance cross-border accessibility. A 2017 agreement with Trainline enabled the independent retailer to offer WESTbahn tickets, allowing combinations with services from other operators like Deutsche Bahn for extended European itineraries.[52] In 2024, collaboration with Distribusion Technologies expanded distribution through global reseller tools, broadening market access without operational alliances.[53] Additionally, the "We are there for you" onboard ticket supplements DB or ÖBB long-distance passes, supporting connections but not formal joint ventures.[54] These arrangements prioritize commercial ticketing interoperability over shared infrastructure or revenue-sharing pacts with foreign railways.[55]Fleet and Rolling Stock
Current Train Models and Configurations
WESTbahn's current fleet consists of 19 double-deck electric multiple units (EMUs), all configured for high-frequency intercity operations on electrified lines with a maximum speed of 200 km/h. These trains emphasize capacity, passenger comfort, and low-floor accessibility for efficient boarding, featuring three service classes—Standard Class for basic seating, Comfort Class with enhanced legroom and amenities, and First Class offering premium features such as larger seats and exclusive lounges.[56][57] The primary models are 15 six-car Stadler KISS 3 EMUs, procured in 2019 and entering service progressively from 2021 to replace the prior fleet sold to Deutsche Bahn. Built by Stadler Rail in Switzerland, these bilevel trains provide spacious upper and lower decks with a total capacity exceeding 500 passengers per unit, optimized for the Vienna-Salzburg route's demands including frequent stops and peak-hour loads.[58][59] Supplementing these are four six-car CRRC DDEMU2 EMUs, leased from CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive under a 2019 agreement and approved for Austrian operations following extensive testing, with initial deployments on the Salzburg-Vienna line commencing in late 2025. Each unit measures 158 meters in length, accommodates 571 seated passengers (expandable to 1,280 in maximum configuration), and incorporates dual-voltage capability for flexibility across networks.[60][61][62]Upgrades and Future Acquisitions
In March 2025, WESTbahn signed a contract with Stadler Rail for the delivery of three 11-car SMILE high-speed electric multiple units (EMUs), each designed for operations at up to 250 km/h, to support the operator's planned expansion onto the southern rail corridor from Vienna to Villach via the Koralm Tunnel starting March 1, 2026.[34][63] These trains, based on the same platform as the SBB RABe 501 Giruno, feature advanced aerodynamics, energy-efficient systems, and high passenger capacity to meet growing demand on longer-distance services.[64] The acquisition addresses capacity limitations of the existing fleet of 15 six-car double-decker KISS EMUs, which entered service in 2021 after replacing an earlier Bombardier Talent fleet sold to Deutsche Bahn.[65][66] The SMILE units include options for further procurement, potentially up to eight additional sets, enabling denser timetables and international extensions beyond Villach.[65] Delivery of the initial three trains is scheduled to commence operations in early 2026, coinciding with five daily round trips on the new route with intermediate stops at Wiener Neustadt, Graz, and Klagenfurt.[63] This investment, valued in the range of hundreds of millions of euros based on comparable Stadler high-speed deals, prioritizes interoperability across Austrian and potentially cross-border infrastructure while enhancing reliability through Stadler's integrated maintenance support.[34] No major retrofits to the KISS fleet have been publicly announced as of October 2025, though ongoing digital upgrades, such as Nokia's train-to-ground communications implemented in 2021, continue to improve connectivity and signaling.[67]Operations and Infrastructure
Timetables, Stations, and Service Features
WESTbahn operates high-frequency intercity services along Austria's Western Railway, with the core timetable providing departures every 30 minutes between Vienna and Salzburg during daytime hours, covering approximately 300 kilometers in under 2.5 hours.[47] [42] The 2025 timetable, effective from March 1, 2025, expands frequencies on the domestic network and introduces additional connections to western Austria and Germany, including doubled daily runs to Bregenz and new Stuttgart-Vienna links.[46] [68] Key stations on the primary Vienna-Salzburg route include Vienna Westbahnhof (terminus), Wien Hütteldorf, St. Pölten Hbf, Amstetten Hbf, Linz Hbf, Wels Hbf, Attnang-Puchheim, and Salzburg Hbf.[44] Extensions serve Innsbruck Hbf, Bregenz, Munich Hbf, Augsburg, Ulm, and Stuttgart Hbf, with selective stops to maintain speed.[47] Timetables are subject to seasonal adjustments and engineering works, such as rail replacements between Innsbruck and Bregenz from October to November 2025.[47] Service features utilize double-decker Talents EMUs configured for comfort, with all seats offering 230V power sockets, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and adjustable full-leather seating.[69] Onboard amenities include WESTcafé bistro cars in multiple coaches providing coffee, snacks, and cold drinks; gender-separated toilets with accessibility options and baby-changing facilities; and lockable lower-deck luggage racks via deposit system.[70] [71] WESTbahn offers three travel classes differentiated by space and perks:- Standard Class: Basic adjustable seats with folding tables and included reservations for online bookings.[69]
- Comfort Class: Enhanced legroom in four-seat groupings around larger tables, complimentary for certain ticket holders like KlimaTicket Ö users.[69]
- First Class: Premium adjustable leather seats with reading lights, complimentary Oshibori towels, water, and cookies, plus dedicated crew service.[69]
Ticketing, Amenities, and Passenger Experience
WESTbahn offers a range of ticketing options designed for flexibility and affordability, primarily sold through its website, mobile app, and station ticket offices. The Superpreis fare provides discounted rates starting at €4.99 for early bookings, subject to limited availability, while the WESTflexpreis allows non-personalized tickets usable on any WESTbahn train on the selected route without binding to a specific departure. [72] [73] Standardpreis tickets serve as fully flexible options at higher prices, such as €65 in second class for Vienna-Salzburg routes, with unlimited availability and no advance purchase requirement. [43] Online bookings include complimentary seat reservations up to three hours before departure, and family tickets permit children under 15 to travel for €3 each. [74] Onboard amenities emphasize comfort and convenience across double-decker trains equipped with three classes: Standard, Comfort, and First. All seats feature ergonomic leather upholstery, 230V power sockets, air conditioning, and access to free Wi-Fi (WESTlan), with luggage storage including lockable racks on lower decks via a deposit system. [75] [69] Comfort and First classes add extras like more spacious seating, adjustable tables, and enhanced quiet zones, while every train includes WESTcafé bistro cars offering hot and cold drinks, snacks, and gender-separated toilets. [76] Accessibility features support step-free boarding, bicycle spaces, and pet travel, though large luggage may require lower-deck placement due to stairs. [71] Passenger experiences vary, with official descriptions highlighting reliable service and modern facilities on the Vienna-western Austria corridor, often praised for cleanliness and ease of use in user accounts. [77] Independent reviews average 3.5 to 4.0 out of 5, commending free Wi-Fi reliability and onboard power but noting occasional complaints about rigid refund policies and conductor interactions. [76] [78] Punctuality and comfort contribute to positive feedback for leisure travelers, though some report issues with crowded peak services or inflexible changes compared to state operator ÖBB. [79]Performance and Market Impact
Ridership Trends and Financial Performance
WESTbahn has experienced consistent ridership growth since resuming operations post-COVID-19 restrictions, driven by increased competition on the Vienna–Salzburg corridor and expansions to destinations like Innsbruck and Munich. In 2023, the company transported a record 7.7 million passengers, marking a 34% increase from 2022 levels of approximately 5.75 million. This figure surpassed previous post-pandemic highs and reflected broader recovery in Austrian rail travel, though it remained below pre-2020 peaks, with only 2019 showing higher volumes in comparable metrics. Preliminary indications for 2024 suggest continued upward trends, aligning with national rail passenger records of 348.7 million across operators, but specific WESTbahn figures have not been publicly detailed beyond reports of peak performance.[31][80][81] Financial performance has paralleled ridership gains, with revenue and profitability improving markedly amid cost efficiencies and market share capture from state-owned ÖBB. For 2023, group revenue exceeded €120 million, a 35% rise from €90 million in 2022, while operating profit reached approximately €10 million, up from €4 million the prior year. This marked the company's most successful year to date, attributed to higher passenger volumes and optimized operations despite inflationary pressures. In 2024, revenue grew further to €128 million (a 9% increase), with annual surplus climbing 35% to €17.7 million, enabling substantial dividends to shareholders including the Haselsteiner family foundation. These results underscore WESTbahn's viability as a private operator in a regulated market, though they remain modest relative to ÖBB's scale and vulnerable to infrastructure disruptions like the 2024 floods.[82][81][83]| Year | Passengers (millions) | Revenue (€ millions) | Profit (€ millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ~5.75 | 90 | 4 |
| 2023 | 7.7 | >120 | ~10 |
| 2024 | Record (undisclosed) | 128 | 17.7 |