Austria revived the night train

The dream of a denser night train network in Europe is alive. What was stomps some time ago for lack of profitability, and is today experiencing a Renaissance. The need for a more environmentally friendly way to travel, the demand to skyrocket. In Switzerland, efforts are in place, even if timidly, once again a train of the Night to establish itself in the major European metropolises. But one thing seems to be: A night train from Switzerland is not likely to be profitable.

The Austrians do it: you run for 2017 again some night train services. So, also from Zürich to Berlin. The ÖBB have only presented this week its new night train to to 2022. He offers a lot more comfort, more privacy, a modern facility with all the amenities. Thus even the last of the stuffiness of the part of the arg in the years to come the sleeping car would be expelled.

more Modern night trains are a condition, so that in the future the demand is high can be kept. Because the web has two major disadvantages compared to the plane: first of all, the prices are usually still higher. Secondly, the travel times, if the night more bearable, usually longer. It helps when the trains come up with good comfort, in order to keep the customers at the bar. Because the network expansion, it is now also about the current Hype into a sustainable demand convert. And as the new trains come just at the right time.

the Biggest growth in Switzerland

The Connections of the ÖBB in and from Switzerland are especially popular. The largest growth on the routes was recorded also between Zurich and Vienna, such as the "Swiss railway Revue" writes. In the first three quarters of 1.4 million passengers were already taking advantage of the various Compounds of the Nightjets of the ÖBB. The same number as in the whole year of 2017, as the offering was taken.

the last of The stuffiness of the part of the arg in the years to come the sleeping car of The new model have been taken from them:. Photo: ÖBB

The Expansion is continuing: for example, from 2020 onwards Connections from Vienna to Brussels to come. From December there will be a connection from Vienna to Amsterdam. The Ministry of transport is supporting this Expansion with 6.7 million Euro to 2024.

The SBB are partners of the ÖBB in the operation of the night trains, benefit from the night train Renaissance. What the Federal government has dispensed with the fixing of the strategic objectives in December 2018 for the SBB for the years 2019 to 2022 is a clear specification of the SBB, the night train traffic to expand. Since then, it has, however, increased the political pressure significantly.

politicians demanded that the SBB to build yourself, your network again. The Federal office for transport (FOT) has been demonstrated in the national Council's transport Committee recently, what are the possibilities, in order to support a General night train expansion. And especially, what kind of challenges would have to be eliminated in the process.

"If desired, would be the Federal office willing to consider a waiver of a contribution due to a request by the SBB."Michael Müller, spokesman for the Federal office for transport

probably The easiest way, how the Federal government can support an Expansion, is the reduction of train Path prices for international trains. So the price that is incurred, if a certain railway line is to be used. "If desirable, would be the BAV willing to consider a waiver of a funding contribution on the basis of an application of the SBB," says the Federal office spokesman Michael Muller. The relief provided by this measure would be in the low single-digit million range, Müller continued.

it is Also possible to subsidise international services would be. But here, the EU would have to be considered Directive, the Subsidisation of services in competition are prohibited, as stated by the BAV. As according to difficult is likely to prove so in a timely manner to implement.

A third possibility is the international tender of the night trains would be. Such a procedure is also open to foreign cars. The Opening of the Swiss rail system you faced in the past, however, skeptical. Also: "the legal requirements need to be clarified, deepened, and it would probably only be possible if Switzerland were to adopt the EU-Directive for Opening of international passenger traffic," says the BAV speakers. This requires, however, the corresponding political will.

at the same time with the policy of SBB is to try and forward going. You have to deepen the partnership with the ÖBB. In order to be offer once more Connections to Europe and a real competition to air travel.

Created: 04.12.2019, 23:32 PM