The move by ERA is not just about upgrading the fleet; it's a clear signal that night rail travel, which had seen years of decline, is now poised for a significant comeback. The agency's decision enables these ÖBB trains, made by Siemens Mobility, to operate in the DACHI region (Germany, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland) for day and night services.
ERA's Executive Director, Josef Doppelbauer, emphasises that this move is more than just about rekindling the night train services. It's about aligning with the changing dynamics of multi-modal transport, demonstrating the growing demand for long-distance, cross-border passenger rail services. This step also underlines the viability of these services in a competitive, open-access environment.
Introducing these modern, well-equipped sleeper trains is essential for seamless cross-border services. The lack of suitable rolling stock in the past has been a hurdle, but this new fleet aims to overcome these challenges.
