In a major mobility project, the states of Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, in cooperation with the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and the Eastern Region Transport Association (VOR), have announced the purchase of 109 Cityjet double-decker trains from Stadler.
This investment is expected to significantly improve local public transport in the eastern region from December 2025 and, in particular, speed up commuter traffic. The new generation of trains will not only offer shorter travel times and higher capacities, but will also provide sophisticated comfort features for passengers. This project is part of a comprehensive mobility concept and represents a decisive step for public transport in the region.
Faster cycle times and increased capacity
One of the main objectives of the new Cityjet double-decker trains is to improve capacity on the highly frequented commuter routes in the eastern region. Thanks to a flexible train design - 89 four-car and 20 six-car sets - the train lengths can be adjusted as required to better cover peak times. The Cityjets' double-decker design means more seats and a spacious interior, meaning passengers will experience a more comfortable journey.
This increased capacity is complemented by the use of a modern train control system (ETCS), which enables more frequent service. Passenger numbers on public transport have been rising steadily for years, and the expansion of local transport is essential to ensure smooth traffic flow and make commuter journeys more efficient.
Shorter travel times and modern equipment
The new trains will reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h and will therefore significantly reduce travel times - an improvement compared to the current trains, which only reach up to 140 km/h. This time saving will be of great benefit to commuters who travel daily between the Vienna area and the capital. The trains will run on the main traffic axes in and around Vienna as well as towards Wiener Neustadt, Floridsdorf, and along the northern and northwestern lines, which should better connect the transport networks.
In addition to the increased speed, the trains also offer a range of amenities tailored to the needs of modern travelers. In addition to air conditioning and barrier-free boarding areas, the trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, improved mobile phone connections and power sockets at the seats. A modern passenger information system provides travelers with real-time information about upcoming stations and possible delays, making travel planning easier.
future viability in focus
The investment in this new generation of trains is part of a long-term transport service contract that will come into force from 2024 to 2033 and aims to significantly expand the region's local public transport services. The cooperation between the federal government, the states and ÖBB ensures that this expansion takes place gradually and that sustainable mobility goals are supported. These modernization measures will reduce dependence on private transport and improve the region's environmental balance. In addition, this strategy meets the EU's requirements for sustainable mobility and modern infrastructure, which includes the expansion of transport networks and the operation of low-emission vehicles.
The new Cityjet double-decker trains replace the old Wiesel trains that have served the region for years. This represents a qualitative upgrade and adapts the region to the increasing demands on mobility in comparison to Europe. In contrast to the Wiesel trains, the new Cityjets are characterized by faster processing options, which shortens the waiting times at the stations and enables a rapid flow of people.
Voices from Politics and Business
The cooperation between the individual federal states and the ÖBB underlines the desire to improve public transport services in the region. "With the new trains, we are making a significant contribution to the expansion of the rapid transit system in Vienna and are creating tangible advantages for our passengers with the more frequent trains and greater comfort," emphasized Vienna's Finance and Economics Councilor Peter Hanke in a statement.
Lower Austria's Transport Minister Udo Landbauer explained that the modernization would also increase the safety and reliability of local transport. "More seats, more security through video surveillance and free internet will bring a significant boost in quality. Reliability, safety and punctuality are the top priority so that commuters and schoolchildren can reach their destination and, above all, have planning security," said Landbauer.
State Councillor Heinrich Dorner from Burgenland underlined the importance of the project for his state, which has seen an increase in commuter traffic to Vienna in recent years. The modern facilities and better connections are "a clear benefit for our commuters."
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