ÖBB’s regional fleet renewal is moving into its next phase, as the new Cityjet double-deck train made its premiere journey from Vienna’s main station to Wiener Neustadt.
The new trains will first enter passenger service from the end of June 2026 on the Vienna – Payerbach/Reichenau route. Their main operating area will be the busy north–south axis in eastern Austria, including regional express services through Vienna towards Wiener Neustadt and Payerbach-Reichenau.
ÖBB has ordered 109 new Cityjet double-deck trains in total, representing an investment of around €1.5 billion. Of these, 45 units are expected to be available for regional services in eastern Austria by the end of 2026.
The order forms part of ÖBB’s wider fleet investment programme, which foresees €6.1 billion for around 330 new trains by 2030.
For passengers, the main benefit is capacity. According to ÖBB and regional representatives, the new trains will offer up to 25% more seats, which is particularly relevant for commuter-heavy corridors around Vienna and Lower Austria.
The trains are also designed to improve comfort on regional services, with larger multipurpose areas for bicycles and prams, barrier-free boarding areas and a modern interior.
ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä said the investment is aimed at bringing more comfort and capacity to regional rail, especially in eastern Austria, where ÖBB provides around two thirds of its total regional transport performance.
The political message around the launch is also clear: Austria is continuing to treat rail fleet renewal as part of a broader mobility shift. Alongside network investment, the new double-deck trains are intended to make regional rail more attractive for daily commuters.
The trains are supplied by Stadler, whose Chairman Peter Spuhler said the new Cityjet combines modern technology with comfort, energy efficiency and environmental performance.
