The private railway company Westbahn has received the green light from the rail control to start a train connection from Vienna to Innsbruck. From December 11, 2022, three daily course pairs are to operate.

The project of the Westbahn has been known for some time, because in spring 2022 the management around company boss Thomas Posch applied for the necessary routes via the regulatory authority. The application stated that they would like to drive up to five times a day in both directions. Laid shortly thereafter the Austrian Federal Railways objected to check economic equilibrium.

The ÖBB surprisingly withdrew the appeal, so that the rail control closed the proceedings. This gives the private challenger the green light to extend the existing rail connection to Innsbruck. Stopovers in Kufstein and Wörgl are also planned.

The Westbahn originally started between Vienna and Salzburg. This year the route was extended to Munich. currently become up to six daily course pairs offered in the state capital of Bavaria. Innsbruck is to be headed for up to three times a day. The departure times will be announced in mid-September 2022 with the simultaneous start of ticket sales.

It is currently still unclear whether the Westbahn will accept tickets from the Verkehrsverbund Tirol or their regional climate ticket. According to the company, intensive talks are currently under way. In any case, the Austria-wide climate ticket will also be valid for the future Innsbruck extension. The private railway operator offers holders of the nationwide network card free as a bonus Upgrades to Comfort Class, seat reservations and earning bonus points.