A new chapter in Austrian regional rail travel has begun as Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) and Stadler unveiled the first of a new generation of Cityjet double‑decker trains, marking a significant milestone in one of Europe’s most ambitious rolling stock investment programmes.
The new train made its maiden journey from Vienna Central Station to Wiener Neustadt, following a formal launch ceremony attended by senior industry and government figures. The fleet forms part of ÖBB’s wider strategy to increase capacity, improve passenger comfort and support sustainable mobility across Austria’s busiest corridors.
ÖBB has ordered 109 Cityjet double‑decker trains from Stadler, representing an investment of approximately €1.5 billion. By the end of 2026, 45 of the new trains will be in service in Austria’s eastern region, where demand for local and regional rail travel continues to grow strongly.
Deployment on high‑demand regional routes
The new trains are scheduled to enter passenger service from the end of June, initially operating on the Vienna Floridsdorf – Payerbach/Reichenau route. Their primary operational focus will be the north–south axis in eastern Austria, including REX services running from Znojmo/Retz via the Nordwestbahn and Břeclav/Bernhardsthal through Vienna to Wiener Neustadt and Payerbach‑Reichenau.
The introduction of the Cityjet double‑deckers sits within ÖBB’s largest‑ever investment programme, which allocates €6.1 billion for the purchase of around 330 new trains by 2030.
ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä said:
“We are continuing to invest in greater comfort and capacity in local rail services. In total, we will have 109 new Cityjet double-decker trains from Stadler in service in Lower Austria and Vienna. The eastern region in particular sees a high volume of rail passengers; this is where we provide around two-thirds of our total local rail services. The new Cityjet double-decker trains not only offer significantly more space, but also greater comfort thanks to spacious multi-purpose areas for bicycles and pushchairs, as well as barrier-free boarding and alighting areas.”
Rail investment as a driver of the mobility transition
Austria’s Federal Minister for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure, Peter Hanke, underlined the strategic importance of rail investment to national transport policy.
He said:
“Rail is a fundamental lever on our path to the mobility transition. The fact that we are investing record sums in the expansion and modernisation of the Austrian rail network by 2030 is a clear commitment to the fact that we take this task very seriously. In addition, ÖBB is investing 6.1 billion euros in the purchase of more than 300 trains, so that we can provide the people of Austria with state-of-the-art and comfortable rail travel.”
Stadler highlights sustainability and passenger comfort
From the manufacturing perspective, Stadler emphasised the combination of performance, sustainability and passenger‑focused design.
Peter Spuhler, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Stadler, said:
“This train combines state-of-the-art technology with the highest level of comfort and sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. Together with ÖBB, we are thus not only offering passengers a comfortable journey, but also making an important contribution to sustainable mobility – in Austria and worldwide.”
Designed for capacity, accessibility and modern travel
The Cityjet double‑decker trains have been developed specifically for high‑density regional operations, offering a step‑change in both capacity and onboard experience.
Key passenger features include:
- Modern Cityjet interior design and comfortable seating
- Spacious, low‑floor boarding and alighting areas
- Multi‑purpose spaces in every carriage for bicycles, pushchairs and luggage
- Automatic air conditioning using a natural, environmentally friendly refrigerant
- Power sockets and USB ports at every row of seats
- Real‑time passenger information via onboard monitors
- Two dedicated wheelchair spaces with height‑adjustable side tables
- Two to four toilets per train, including an accessible toilet with changing table
- Free Wi‑Fi and CCTV throughout the train
Technical specifications
- Maximum speed: 160 km/h
- Train length: 160 m (six‑car formation) or 107 m (four‑car formation)
- Seating capacity: approx. 591 (six‑car) or approx. 371 (four‑car)
- Wheelchair spaces: 2 in the middle carriage
For rail operators across Europe, the Cityjet programme provides a clear example of how double‑deck regional rolling stock can be used to increase capacity, improve accessibility and support long‑term modal shift without compromising passenger comfort.
Image credits: Stadler
