ÖBB plans to deploy 41 out of a total of 109 new Cityjet double-decker trains in the eastern region starting in 2026. How the rail vehicles perform under extreme weather conditions is being tested in the climate wind tunnel of the Rail Tec Arsenal in Vienna. These tests were presented to journalists on Monday in the presence of City Councillor Peter Hanke.

ÖBB Prepares New Eastern Fleet with Weather Simulations

"Perfectly tempered" carriages are promised by Christian Diewald, Managing Director of the manufacturer Stadler Austria. This is to be ensured by the world's largest climate wind tunnel, which can simulate extreme weather conditions such as heat or snow and theoretically wind speeds of up to 300 km/h. For the Stadler CEO, this technology used in Vienna-Floridsdorf is "indispensable in the railway industry" and contributes significantly to the success of Austrian railway exports.

Increase in Passenger Numbers Necessitates Fleet Expansion

The expansion of the local transport fleet is necessary in light of a passenger boom, explained Heinz Freunschlag, board member of ÖBB-Personenverkehr AG. Since the introduction of the "new" western route, the number of commuters between Vienna and St. Pölten alone has increased from 30,000 to 70,000. New trains are now necessary for this passenger volume. The acquisition of the double-decker rail vehicles costs 1.5 billion euros and is thus a central component of an investment program totaling over six billion euros, with which ÖBB plans to acquire around 330 new trains by 2030. For guests of the double-decker fleet, there will be, among other things, charging ports for electronic devices in all seats and stable Wi-Fi.

City Councillor Hanke views the investments positively, also in light of climate change, and emphasizes: "The eastern region needs connections and needs quality." It is therefore important to the Vienna city government to cooperate with companies and create the right framework for them. "Without this eastern region, the economic structure does not function as it does," said Hanke.

(APA/Red)

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