With one national night train and more than a dozen international connections, Austria has the second-highest night train network density after Ukraine. And by taking over part of Deutsche Bahn’s night train fleet and network, the Austrian ÖBB is now the largest night train operator in Central Europe, serving seven other countries directly and another seven as part of a co-operation… So, all’s well in Austria, why get involved in an Austrian back-on-track group?
Well, first of all: thanks to the network, there are many night train fans in Austria who would like to travel to even more places by night train. With our experience and our connection to ÖBB, we can help to strengthen the European network. We can also help to inform the Austrian government about what measures could be taken at European level.
Secondly: Austria subsidises its night train network by financing the national connection between Vienna and Bregenz, which also makes it possible to operate some international connections at marginal cost. Routes outside Austria are either operated by ÖBB to cover costs or are dependent on subsidies from other countries. However, this financing system (and thus the existence of a local transport network in Central Europe) depends on the willingness of the Austrian government to continue subsidising core transport and accept little or no revenue. This is not sustainable in the long term.
So there is a lot to do! Will you support us in this endeavour?