Service Facilities
The recast of the First Railway Package (Directive 2012/34/EU) has brought service facilities more sharply into focus for regulatory authorities.
For this reason, the annual survey conducted by Schienen-Control asks about the number of essential service facilities in order to obtain an overview of the market in this regard as well.
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2177 has been in force since June 1, 2019. Among other things, it specifies the obligations for operators of service facilities listed in Annex II, points 2–4, of Directive 2012/34/EU (Recast). These obligations concern access, charges, and the publication of information on service facilities and the services provided therein.
Operators of service facilities can apply for an exemption from the application of the regulation. To do so, they must submit a request to the Schienen-Control and provide sufficient justification. In December 2018, Schienen-Control all operators of service facilities operating in Austria of this in a letter. On January 1, 2019, the Schienen-Control also published the criteria for granting exemptions on the Schienen-Control website. Subsequently, three regional operators of service facilities were granted exemptions by official decision.
Within the framework of the Independent Regulators' Group-Rail (IRG-Rail), the platform for independent European railway regulatory authorities, the working group "Access to Service Facilities" addressed this issue. It recorded and categorized all applications submitted in the member states in 2023.
As of December 2024, the following service facilities were available in Austria:
| Type of service facility | Number (total) | Number (ÖBB Group) |
| transport hubs | 1.422 | 1.053 |
| Charging stations (mobile-compatible) | 189 | 189 |
| ACTS-compatible charging stations | 116 | 116 |
| train formation facilities | 139 | 130 |
| mat tracks | 108 | 108 |
| shunting yards | 105 | 95 |
| maintenance facilities | 49 | 24 |
| preheating systems | 43 | 43 |
| Fuel intake devices | 34 | 27 |
| freight terminals | 16 | 8 |
| disposal sites | 11 | 11 |
| Washing and cleaning facilities | 11 | 7 |
| Vehicle fingerprint systems | 7 | 7 |
| Car train facilities | 5 | 5 |
| ports | 5 | 0 |
| Ice protection systems | 1 | 1 |
Source: Survey by Schienen-Control
Almost all of the service facilities listed in Table 1 were operated by railway companies in 2024, with eight freight terminals operated by other companies. In the previous year, ÖBB Infrastructure operated seven freight terminals located in Vienna South, St. Michael, Villach, Wels, Wörgl, Wolfurt, and Brennersee. Four of these terminals can be used for loading and unloading rolling roads. The Brennersee terminal is only suitable for rolling roads. At some loading stations, roll-on/roll-off containers can now also be loaded from road to rail. The Wels terminal will be expanded as part of the four-track expansion of the Linz–Wels line. The freight terminals operated by other companies are located in Graz (Cargo Center Graz), Enns, Salzburg Liefering, Krems an der Donau, Linz Stadthafen, Hafen Freudenau, Bludenz, Hall in Tirol, and Kapfenberg.
ÖBB Infrastructure operated 1,053 passenger stations and stops in 2024, with the remainder operated by other infrastructure operators. The stations of the Graz-Köflacher Bahn were added in the middle of the year. As part of the station offensive and the ongoing expansion of the infrastructure, the Deutschkreutz, Kremsmünster, Gramatneusiedl, Oberdrauburg, and Vienna Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof stations, among others, were modernized. Between Wels and Salzburg, a second station, Seekirchen Stadt, with a P&R area was newly built in the municipality of Seekirchen am Wallersee. The Patsch and Unterberg-Stefansbrücke stations, on the other hand, will no longer be served by the ÖBB network from mid-December 2024. The Flugschanze Kulm and Spielberg stations near Knittelfeld will only be offered during major events.
The 43 preheating systems are used to heat and air-condition passenger cars, with each preheating system having several heating stands. At the exterior cleaning facilities —also known as car wash facilities—the sides, front, and aprons of passenger cars, as well as the roof slopes, are cleaned at all eleven locations. Graffiti can be removed at the car wash facilities in Linz, Villach, and Graz. There are two identical car wash facilities next to each other at Vienna Central Station. WESTbahn operates the facility at Vienna's Westbahnhof station, where ÖBB passenger transport vehicles are also cleaned.
There are currently five car transport facilities in operation in Austria for loading cars and motorcycles, with two separate facilities in Villach. A total of 15 tracks with a loading length of between 118 and 521 meters are available.
In 2024, a total of 437 loading points were available in the ÖBB infrastructure network. This is four more loading points than in the previous year. Roll-off containers can be loaded between road and rail at 166 loading points. Loading of so-called mobiles is possible at 189 stations. A hydraulic lifting device allows transshipment between road and rail without the use of cranes. Of the 106 marshalling yards, 96 belong to ÖBB infrastructure, including the eight large marshalling yards in Vienna Kledering, Linz, Wels, Salzburg Gnigl, Hall in Tirol, Wolfurt, Graz Gösting, and Villach Süd. As a safety measure, there are 307 hot axle box detectors in the ÖBB network that detect overheated wheels, allowing the train to be stopped immediately at the next station. Excessive heating of a wheel bearing on a car can cause an axle break, which can subsequently lead to the car derailing. Seven "fingerprint systems" can be used to collect regular reports on the condition of the vehicle wheels (deviation from ideal roundness of the wheels) can be collected.
In 2024, ÖBB Production operated 26 fuel stations. A survey of fuel consumption shows a nine percent reduction in consumption for the last year, which was achieved mainly through electrification.
ÖBB-Train Tech (formerly ÖBB-Technische Service) operated 23 of the 48 maintenance facilities (where rail vehicles are serviced and repaired) in the reporting year, with the remainder operated by other railway companies. Light repair work is carried out at 18 ÖBB-Technische Services locations, while heavy repair work is carried out at five locations – some of which operate around the clock. A new workshop is being built for the new ÖBB-PV double-decker local transport trains in Vienna Floridsdorf. Approximately 100 track mats enable motor vehicles to access track systems throughout Austria, allowing both modes of transport, rail and road, to use the traffic areas.
As of December 2023, the following service facilities were available in Austria:
| Type of service facility | Number (total) | Number (ÖBB Group) |
| transport hubs | 1.415 | 1.038 |
| charging points | 433 | 394 |
| mat tracks | 111 | 111 |
| shunting yards | 100 | 96 |
| maintenance facilities | 49 | 24 |
| preheating systems | 43 | 43 |
| disposal sites | 38 | 38 |
| Fuel intake devices | 34 | 27 |
| freight terminals | 15 | 7 |
| Washing and cleaning facilities | 11 | 7 |
| Car train facilities | 5 | 5 |
| ports | 5 | 0 |
| Ice protection systems | 1 | 1 |
Source: Survey by Schienen-Control
Almost all of the service facilities listed in the table above were operated by railway companies in 2023, with eight freight terminals operated by other companies. In the previous year, ÖBB Infrastructure operated seven freight terminals located in Vienna South, St. Michael, Villach, Wels, Wörgl, Wolfurt, and Brennersee. Four of these terminals are suitable for loading and unloading rolling roads. The Wels terminal is to be expanded as part of the four-track expansion of the Linz–Wels line. The freight terminals operated by other companies are located in Graz (Cargo Center Graz), Enns, Salzburg Liefering, Krems an der Donau, Linz Stadthafen, Hafen Freudenau, Bludenz, Hall in Tirol, and Kapfenberg.
In 2023, a total of 1,415 stations were served by the Austrian railway network.
Most of the stations in operation (1,038) are owned by ÖBB Infrastructure, followed by Steiermärkische Landesbahnen with 71 and Salzburger Lokalbahn with 69. In addition, there are stations belonging to other private railways and tourist railways, such as those on the Schafberg and Schneeberg mountains.
The railway modernization program continued in 2023, with stations being upgraded to make them barrier-free. For example, Ebreichsdorf station was rebuilt and put into operation in connection with the expansion of the Pottendorf line. The stations in Freistadt, Summerau, Hadersdorf am Kamp, and Vienna Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof were also upgraded with barrier-free access. However, some modernization projects were accompanied by the removal of loading tracks, as in Kremsmünster and Traunkirchen. In addition, park-and-ride areas, such as the one in Tullnerbach-Pressbaum, were expanded. Stations on private railways, such as the one in Wies-Eibiswald on the Graz-Köflacher Bahn, or Alkoven on the Linzer Lokalbahn, were also modernized and put into operation.
Since the timetable change in mid-December 2022, stations along the Jauntalbahn line, such as Granitztal and Aich im Jauntal, are no longer in service. With the opening of the Koralmbahn line in mid-December 2023, the stations St. Andrä, St. Stefan im Lavanttal, St. Paul im Lavanttal, Wolfsberg Jeding, and Wolfsberg were put back into operation. New stations have been built at Wiederndorf-Aich in Jauntal and Köttmannsdorf-Lambichl near Klagenfurt. Since mid-December 2023, the stations Unter Oberndorf and Hofstatt in Lower Austria and Langkampfen in Tyrol will no longer be served.
The 43 preheating systems are used to heat and air-condition passenger cars, with each preheating system having several heating racks. At the exterior cleaning systems—also known as car wash systems—the sides, front, and aprons of passenger cars, as well as the roof slopes, are cleaned at all eleven locations. Graffiti can be removed at the car wash facilities in Linz, Villach, and Graz. There are two identical car wash facilities next to each other at Vienna Central Station. WESTbahn operates the facility at Vienna's Westbahnhof station, where ÖBB passenger trains are also cleaned.
There are five car transport facilities in operation across Austria for loading cars and motorcycles, with two separate facilities in Villach. A total of 15 tracks with loading lengths between 118 and 521 meters are available.
In 2023, a total of 433 charging points were available in the ÖBB infrastructure network . This represents a reduction of 72 charging points compared to the previous year. Those in Gaisbach-Wartberg, Wels Lokalbahn, St. Georgen an der Gusen, and Wolkersdorf, for example, were no longer accessible.
Of the 100 marshalling yards, 96 belong to the ÖBB infrastructure, including the eight large marshalling yards in Vienna Kledering, Linz, Wels, Salzburg Gnigl, Hall in Tirol, Wolfurt, Graz Gösting, and Villach Süd. The ÖBB network has 296 hot axle box detectors as a safety measure, which detect overheated wheels so that the train can be stopped immediately at the next station. Excessive heating of a wheel set bearing on a car can cause an axle break, which can subsequently lead to the car derailing.
In 2023, ÖBB Production operated 27 filling stations. A survey of fuel consumption shows a nine percent reduction in consumption last year, which was achieved mainly through electrification. While 51.5 million liters of diesel oil were sold in 2008, 15 years later the amount consumed was around 45 percent lower (28.6 million liters). In addition to ÖBB Production, Graz-Köflacher Bahn and Steiermärkische Landesbahnen also operate filling stations for their rail networks, and individual connecting railways such as voestalpine also have their own.
During the reporting year, 24 of the 49 maintenance facilities (where rail vehicles are serviced and repaired) were operated by ÖBB-Train Tech (formerly ÖBB-Technische Service), with the remainder operated by other railway companies. ÖBB-Technische Services offers light repair work at 19 locations and heavy repair work at five locations, some of which operate around the clock. The workshop in Vienna's Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof, which maintains local transport vehicles, was put back into operation. A new workshop for ÖBB-PV's new Nightjet trainsets was built and put into operation in Vienna Simmering. Approximately 100 track mats enable motor vehicles to access track systems throughout Austria, allowing both modes of transport, rail and road, to use the traffic areas.
As of December 2022, the following service facilities were available in Austria:
| Type of service facility | Number (total) | Number (ÖBB Group) |
| transport hubs | 1.430 | 1.033 |
| charging points | 505 | 466 |
| train formation facilities | 139 | 139 |
| mat tracks | 104 | 101 |
| shunting yards | 102 | 98 |
| maintenance facilities | 48 | 23 |
| preheating systems | 41 | 41 |
| Fuel intake devices | 34 | 27 |
| bridge car | 30 | 30 |
| freight terminals | 16 | 8 |
| Washing and cleaning facilities | 11 | 7 |
| disposal sites | 11 | 11 |
| ports | 5 | 0 |
| car ferry facilities | 4 | 4 |
| Ice protection systems | 1 | 1 |
Source: Survey by Schienen-Control
ÖBB Infrastructure operated 1,033 passenger stations and stops in 2022, with the remainder operated by other infrastructure operators. As part of the station initiative and the ongoing expansion of the infrastructure, the Unter Purkersdorf, Bad Mitterndorf, Obertraun-Dachsteinhöhlen, and Deutschlandsberg stations, among others, were modernized. The Köttmannsdorf Lambichl stop was also newly built between Klagenfurt and Weizelsdorf. However, the Granitztal, St. Paul Bad, St. Paul im Lavanttal, and Mühldorf im Lavanttal stations were no longer served by the ÖBB network from mid-2022.
The 41 preheating systems are used to heat and air-condition passenger cars, with each preheating system having several heating racks. The exterior cleaning systems—also known as car wash systems—clean the sides, front, and aprons of passenger cars, as well as the roof slopes, at all eleven locations. New since 2022 is the upgrade of the car wash system in Linz, which, like those in Villach and Graz, can remove graffiti. At Vienna Central Station, there are two identical washing systems side by side. WESTbahn operates the system at Vienna's Westbahnhof station, where ÖBB passenger transport vehicles are also cleaned.
There are four car transport facilities in operation throughout Austria for loading cars and motorcycles, with two separate facilities in Villach. A total of 14 tracks with a loading length of between 118 and 521 meters are available.
In 2022, a total of 466 charging points were available in the ÖBB infrastructure network. Those in Gaisbach-Wartberg, St. Georgen an der Gusen, and Wolkersdorf, for example, were no longer accessible.
Of the 98 marshalling yards, 95 belong to ÖBB infrastructure, including the eight large marshalling yards in Vienna Kledering, Linz, Wels, Salzburg Gnigl, Hall in Tirol, Wolfurt, Graz Gösting, and Villach South.
In addition, the railway companies operate twelve training facilities for railway-specific training courses.
As of December 2021, the following service facilities were available in Austria:
| Type of service facility | Number (total) | Number (ÖBB Group) |
| transport hubs | 1.429 | 1.032 |
| charging points | 520 | 471 |
| train formation facilities | 139 | 139 |
| mat tracks | 114 | 111 |
| shunting yards | 98 | 95 |
| maintenance facilities | 48 | 23 |
| preheating systems | 46 | 46 |
| - with preheating stand | 511 | 511 |
| Fuel intake devices | 43 | 27 |
| weighbridges | 29 | 29 |
| freight terminals | 16 | 7 |
| Washing and cleaning facilities | 16 | 7 |
| waste disposal facilities | 11 | 11 |
| ports | 5 | 0 |
| car ferry facilities | 4 | 4 |
| Ice protection systems | 1 | 1 |
Source: Survey by Schienen-Control
Almost all of the service facilities listed in the table above were operated by railway companies in 2021, with only eight freight terminals operated by other companies. Last year, ÖBB Infrastructure operated seven freight terminals located in Vienna South, St. Michael, Villach, Wels, Wörgl, Wolfurt, and Brennersee. Four of these terminals are suitable for loading and unloading rolling roads. In addition, Steiermärkische Landesbahnen operates the Cargo Center Graz south of Graz. The freight terminals managed by other companies are located in Enns, Salzburg Liefering, Krems, Linz Stadthafen, Hafen Freudenau, Bludenz, Hall in Tirol, and Kapfenberg.), the transport stations in Lungitz, Tauplitz, and Lannach, among others, were modernized. Between Hall in Tirol and Innsbruck Central Station
, the Innsbruck Messe stop was also rebuilt, and in Styria, the Leoben Lerchenfeld station was added in the Leoben urban area. On the other hand,
some stops on the ÖBB network were no longer served in 2021.
In 2021, a total of 471 loading points were available in the ÖBB infrastructure network. Those in Breitenschützing, Ehrwald-Zugspitzbahn, Hintergasse, Hochzirl, Lungitz, Mauerkirchen, Roppen, St. Andrä-Wördern, and Tauplitz, for example, were no longer accessible.
Of the 98 marshalling yards, 95 belong to ÖBB infrastructure, including the eight large marshalling yards in Vienna Kledering, Linz, Wels, Salzburg Gnigl, Hall in Tirol, Wolfurt, Graz Gösting, and Villach Süd.
In addition, the railway companies operate twelve training facilities for railway-specific training courses.
As of December 2020, the following service facilities were available in Austria:
| Type of service facility | Number (total) | Number (ÖBB Group) |
| transport hubs | 1.440 | 1.043 |
| charging points | 540 | 491 |
| train formation facilities | 139 | 139 |
| mat tracks | 114 | 111 |
| shunting yards | 105 | 102 |
| maintenance facilities | 32 | 23 |
| preheating systems | 46 | 46 |
| - with preheating stand | 511 | 511 |
| Fuel intake devices | 34 | 27 |
| weighbridges | 29 | 29 |
| freight terminals | 16 | 8 |
| Washing and cleaning facilities | 11 | 7 |
| waste disposal facilities | 11 | 11 |
| ports | 5 | 0 |
| car ferry facilities | 4 | 4 |
| Ice protection systems | 1 | 1 |
Source: Survey by Schienen-Control
Most of the service facilities listed in the table above were operated by railway companies in 2020, with a few operated by other companies (e.g., eight freight terminals, such as the Enns terminal or the Salzburg Liefering terminal). ÖBB Infrastructure operated eight freight terminals in the previous year: Vienna South, St. Michael, Villach, Wels, Salzburg, Wörgl, Wolfurt, and Brennersee. Five terminals are suitable for loading and unloading rolling roads. Steiermärkische Landesbahnen operates the Cargo Center Graz south of Graz. The freight terminals operated by other companies are located in Enns, Salzburg Liefering, Krems, Linz Stadthafen, Hafen Freudenau, Bludenz, Hall in Tirol, and Kapfenberg.other railway companies. Maintenance and repairs of
rail vehicles are carried out at maintenance facilities. Minor repairs are carried out at 18 locations and major repairs at five locations, some of which operate around the clock.
The eleven washing and cleaning facilities are primarily used for passenger transport to clean the exterior of passenger cars; the facility at Vienna Westbahnhof is operated by WESTbahn. Mat tracks allow motor vehicles to access the track system, enabling both modes of transport, rail and road, to use the traffic areas. Preheating systems are used to heat and air-condition passenger cars, with each preheating system having several heating stands.
As of December 2019, the following service facilities were available in Austria:
| Type of service facility | Number (total) | Number (ÖBB Group) |
| transport hubs | 1.433 | 1.053 |
| charging points | 540 | 491 |
| train formation facilities | 139 | 139 |
| mat tracks | 112 | 112 |
| shunting yards | 105 | 102 |
| maintenance facilities | 31 | 22 |
| preheating systems | 46 | 46 |
| Fuel intake devices | 36 | 29 |
| freight terminals | 16 | 8 |
| Washing and cleaning facilities | 16 | 7 |
| waste disposal facilities | 11 | 11 |
| ports | 5 | 0 |
| car ferry facilities | 4 | 4 |
| Ice protection systems | 1 | 1 |
Source: Survey by Schienen-Control
As of December 2018, the following service facilities were available in Austria:
| Type of service facility | Number (total) | Number (ÖBB Group) |
| transport hubs | 1.391 | 1.073 |
| train formation facilities | 139 | 139 |
| mat tracks | 112 | 112 |
| shunting yards | 106 | 102 |
| maintenance facilities | 31 | 22 |
| preheating systems | 46 | 46 |
| Fuel intake devices | 36 | 29 |
| freight terminals | 16 | 8 |
| Washing and cleaning facilities | 12 | 11 |
| waste disposal facilities | 11 | 11 |
| ports | 5 | 0 |
| car ferry facilities | 4 | 4 |
Source: Survey by Schienen-Control
Most of the service facilities listed in the table above were operated by railway companies in 2018, with only eight freight terminals operated by companies from other logistics sectors (such as the Enns terminal or the Salzburg Liefering terminal). ÖBB Infrastructure operated eight freight terminals last year: Vienna South (since December 2016), St. Michael, Villach, Wels, Salzburg, Wörgl, Wolfurt, and Brennersee. Five terminals are suitable for loading and unloading rolling land roads. The Wolfurt terminal in Vorarlberg was significantly expanded in 2018 and handed over for operation. The Steiermärkische Landesbahnen operates the Cargo Center Graz south of Graz. The freight terminals operated by other companies are located in Enns, Salzburg Liefering, Krems, Linz Stadthafen, Hafen Freudenau, Bludenz, Hall in Tirol, and Kapfenberg.As of December 2017, the following service facilities were available in Austria:
| Type of service facility | Number (total) |
| train formation facilities | 98 |
| Passenger stations/stops | 1.392 |
| shunting yards | 100 |
| maintenance facilities | 37 |
| freight terminals | 17 |
| Washing and cleaning facilities | 12 |
| Fuel intake devices | 35 |
Source: Survey by Schienen-Control
Eight freight terminals – Vienna South, St. Michael, Villach, Wels, Salzburg, Wörgl, Wolfurt, and Brennersee – were operated by ÖBB-Infrastruktur. The Cargo Center Graz was operated by Steiermärkische Landesbahn.
Of the 37 maintenance facilities, 22 are operated by ÖBB-Technische Services, with the remainder operated by other railway companies. The twelve washing and cleaning facilities are divided between ÖBB-Infrastruktur (seven) and other railway companies (five).
As of December 2016, the following service facilities were available in Austria:
| Type of service facility | Number (total) |
| Passenger stations/stops | 1.434 |
| train formation facilities | 139 |
| shunting yards | 99 |
| maintenance facilities | 31 |
| Fuel intake devices | 36 |
| freight terminals | 18 |
| Washing and cleaning facilities | 12 |
Source: Survey by Schienen-Control
For this reason, the annual survey by Schienenkontrol now also asks about the number of essential service facilities in order to obtain an overview of the market.
are located in Enns, Salzburg Liefering, Krems, Linz Stadthafen, Hafen Freudenau, Blu
Of the 31 maintenance facilities, 22 are operated by ÖBB-Technische Services, with the remainder operated by other railway companies. The twelve washing and cleaning facilities are divided between ÖBB-Infrastruktur (seven) and other railway companies (five).
connecting railways
According to § 7 EisbG (Railway Act), connecting railways are railways that enable the transport of individual or multiple companies with main or branch lines, whereby a distinction is made between connecting railways with and without their own operations.
Access rights to connecting railways
Pursuant to Section 75a(1) of the Austrian Railways Act (EisbG), railway undertakings have a right of access to connecting railways if it is necessary to use them in order to reach freight terminals, ports, or other service facilities.
Pursuant to Section 75a (2) EisbG, they also have a right of access to branch lines, which are connecting lines from which secondary connecting lines branch off. Pursuant to Section 75a (3) EisbG, the provisions governing the regulation of the rail transport market apply mutatis mutandis to access. This means, in particular, that the operator of the branched connecting railway must draw up rail network usage conditions (SNNB). They must calculate the fee for the use of their rail infrastructure on the basis of the costs directly incurred by train operations and the other provisions of the EisbG.
The EisbG provides the following option for operators of connecting railways in accordance with Section 75a (1) and (2) EisbG: They may apply to the Schienen-Control for relief from the obligations arising from the provisions on the regulation of the rail transport market. These obligations include, for example, the preparation of SNNB and the calculation of fees based on the costs directly incurred as a result of train operations (Section 75a (3) EisbG). The relief may be granted if it does not jeopardize the achievement of the regulatory purpose pursuant to Section 54 EisbG. It must be granted if there is no request for access from third parties.
In 2024, 923 connecting railways could be reached from the ÖBB infrastructure network, 281 of which were branch lines. These are connecting railways that are not directly connected to the ÖBB infrastructure tracks, but are connected to them via another connecting railway ("branched connecting railway"). In 2024, 32 connecting railways were closed, one more than in the previous year, while all others were in operation.
Slight increase in volume
With 1.17 million (2023: 1.14 million) wagons, around 2.9 percent more freight wagons were provided on Austrian connecting railways in 2024 compared to the previous year.
In order to make the operation of connecting railways financially attractive, the infrastructure operator's track access charge for wagonload traffic was reduced at the end of 2013. Wagonload traffic consists of mixed freight trains carrying goods that can be loaded and unloaded both at loading tracks and on connecting railways.
Sixteen connecting railways, including voestalpine (Linz and Donawitz), Ennshafen, Linz Service GmbH, and Sappi Austria, accounted for half of Austria's total connecting railway volume in 2024. Seven connecting railways accounted for one-third of the total volume, with four of these railways located in Upper Austria and another two in Styria.
As in previous years, the busiest connecting railway was voestalpine Linz, followed by Linz Service GmbH, voestalpine Donawitz, and Ennshafen. The busiest secondary connecting railway was EVN-Abfallverwertung Niederösterreich, which connects in Moosbierbaum. In 2024, new contracts were signed for connecting railways in Vienna Meidling, Braunau am Inn, Spratzern, Wiederndorf-Aich, and Schwarzach-St. Veit. Contracts in Prottes and Bad Pirawarth were terminated due to temporary line closures.
Number of connecting railways served
In 2024, the number of connecting railways actually served declined slightly once again. A total of 494 connecting railways (2023: 498) were served across the entire Austrian railway network, 468 of which were served by ÖBB Infrastructure.
455 connecting railways connected to ÖBB infrastructure had no wagon turnover in 2024 – twelve more than in the previous year. A further 52 connecting railways had a volume of ten or fewer wagons each, and another 20 connecting railways recorded a maximum turnover of 20 wagons each.
In 2023, 941 (+15 compared to 2022) connecting railways could be reached from the ÖBB infrastructure network, 272 of which were branch lines. These are connecting railways that are not directly connected to the ÖBB infrastructure tracks, but are connected to them via another connecting railway ("branched connecting railway"). In 2023, 31 connecting railways were closed, one less than in the previous year, with all others in operation.
Decline in volume
With 1.14 million (2022: 1.29 million) wagons, around 11 percent fewer freight wagons were provided on Austrian connecting railways in 2023 compared to the previous year.
In order to make the operation of connecting railways financially attractive, the track access charge for wagonload traffic was already reduced at the end of 2013. Wagonload traffic consists of mixed freight trains carrying goods that can be loaded and unloaded both at loading tracks and on connecting railways.
In 2023, 18 connecting railways, including voestalpine (Linz and Donawitz), Ennshafen, Linz Service GmbH, and Sappi Austria, accounted for half of Austria's total connecting railway volume. Seven connecting railways accounted for one-third of the total volume, with four of these railways located in Upper Austria and another two in Styria.
As in previous years, the connection with the highest volume was voestalpine Linz, followed by Linz Service GmbH, voestalpine Donawitz, and Ennshafen. The highest-volume secondary connection was EVN-Abfallverwertung Niederösterreich, which connects in Moosbierbaum. In 2023, new contracts were concluded for connecting railways in Feuerwerkanstalt, Wolfsberg, Spratzern, Vils, Linz Wegscheid, Haiding, and Braunau am Inn.
Number of connecting railways served
In 2023, the number of connecting railways actually served stagnated. A total of 524 connecting railways were served across the entire Austrian railway network, compared to 547 in 2020.
443 connecting railways linked to the ÖBB infrastructure had no wagon turnover in 2023 – 27 more than in the previous year. A further 39 connecting railways had a volume of ten or fewer wagons each, and another 35 connecting railways recorded a maximum turnover of 20 wagons each.
In 2022, 926 connecting railways (not all of which are served) could be reached from the ÖBB infrastructure network, 272 of which were branch lines. These are connecting railways that are not directly connected to the ÖBB infrastructure tracks, but are connected to them via another connecting railway ("branched connecting railway"). In 2022, 32 connecting railways were closed, one less than in the previous year, with all others in operation.
In 2022, 26 percent of all connecting railways in operation were located in Lower Austria, 22 percent in Upper Austria, and 15 percent in Styria. With one percent of all connecting railways, Burgenland had the lowest share of all federal states. The Heiligenkreuz connecting railway in southern Burgenland is also the only connecting railway in Austria that can only be accessed from abroad (Hungary).
recovery in revenue
With 1.29 million (2021: 1.30 million) wagons, around one percent fewer freight wagons were provided on Austrian connecting railways in 2022 compared to the previous year.
In order to make the operation of connecting railways financially attractive, the track access charge for wagonload traffic was already reduced at the end of 2013. Wagonload traffic consists of mixed freight trains carrying goods that can be loaded and unloaded both at loading tracks and on connecting railways.
In 2022, 19 connecting railways, including voestalpine (Linz and Donawitz), Ennshafen, Linz Service GmbH, and Sappi Austria, accounted for half of Austria's total connecting railway volume. Eight connecting railways accounted for one-third of the total volume, with four of these railways located in Upper Austria and another two in Styria.
As in previous years, the busiest connecting railway was voestalpine Linz, followed by voestalpine Donawitz, Ennshafen, and Linz Service GmbH, which operates the commercial and tanker port there. The busiest secondary connecting railway was EVN Abfallverwertung Niederösterreich, which connects in Moosbierbaum.
Decline in the number of connecting railways served
In 2022, the number of connecting railways actually served stagnated compared to the previous year. A total of 538 connecting railways were served across the entire Austrian railway network
, compared to 547 in 2020.
416 connecting railways connected to the ÖBB infrastructure had no wagon turnover in 2022 –
the same number as in the previous year. A further 48 connecting railways had a volume of ten or fewer wagons each, and another 19 connecting railways recorded a maximum turnover of 20 wagons each.
In 2021, 924 connecting railways (not all of which are served) could be reached from the ÖBB infrastructure network, 272 of which were branch lines. These are connecting railways that are not directly connected to the ÖBB infrastructure tracks, but are connected to them via another connecting railway ("branched connecting railway"). In 2021, 33 connecting railways were closed, eight more than in the previous year, while all others were in operation.
In 2021, 26 percent of all connecting railways in operation were located in Lower Austria, 22 percent in Upper Austria, and 15 percent in Styria. With one percent of all connecting railways, Burgenland had the lowest share of all federal states. The Heiligenkreuz connecting railway in southern Burgenland is also the only connecting railway in Austria that can only be accessed from abroad (Hungary). In 2021, two new connecting railway contracts were concluded between ÖBB Infrastructure and connecting railway operators.
Last year, there were 25 connecting railways from Linz Stadthafen station—no other station in Austria has such a large number of connections. In 2021, Linz Wegscheid had 18 and Laxenburg-Biedermannsdorf had 15 connecting railway connections.
recovery in revenue
With 1.30 million (2020: 1.21 million) wagons, around seven percent more freight wagons were provided on Austrian connecting railways in 2021 compared to the previous year.
In order to make the operation of connecting railways financially attractive, the track access charge for wagonload traffic was already reduced at the end of 2013. Wagonload traffic consists of mixed freight trains carrying goods that can be loaded and unloaded both at loading tracks and on connecting railways.
Eighteen connecting railways, including voestalpine (Linz and Donawitz), Ennshafen, Linz Service GmbH, and Sappi Austria, accounted for half of Austria's total connecting railway volume in 2021. Seven connecting railways accounted for one-third of the total volume, with four of these railways located in Upper Austria and another three in Styria.
As in previous years, the busiest connecting railway was voestalpine Linz, followed by voestalpine Donawitz, Ennshafen, and Linz Service GmbH, which operates the commercial and tanker port there. The busiest secondary connecting railway was EVN Abfallverwertung Niederösterreich, which connects in Moosbierbaum.
Decline in the number of connecting railways served
In 2021, the number of connecting railways actually served fell again compared to the previous year. A total of 536 connecting railways were served across the entire Austrian railway network, compared to 547 in 2020.
In 2020, 936 connecting railways (not all of which are served) could be reached from the ÖBB infrastructure network, 253 of which were branch lines. These are connecting railways that are not directly connected to the ÖBB infrastructure tracks, but are connected to them via another connecting railway ("branched connecting railway"). In 2020, 25 connecting railways were closed, five more than in the previous year, while all others were in operation.
In 2020, 26 percent of all connecting railways in operation were located in Lower Austria, 22 percent in Upper Austria, and 16 percent in Styria. Burgenland had the lowest share, with one percent of all connecting railways. The Heiligenkreuz connecting railway in southern Burgenland is the only connecting railway in Austria that can only be reached from Hungary.
In 2020, eight new connecting railway contracts were concluded between ÖBB Infrastructure and the connecting railway operators
. These include the former regional lines between Mistelbach Lokalbahn and Hohenau
as well as Oberwart and Großpetersdorf, which will now continue to operate as connecting railways. Seven connecting railway contracts were terminated.
Last year, Linz Stadthafen station had 20 connecting railways (no other station in Austria has such a large number). In 2020, Linz Wegscheid had 16 and Laxenburg-Biedermannsdorf had 15 connecting railways.
Lower incidence due to the pandemic
With 1.21 million (2019: 1.36 million) wagons, around 11 percent fewer freight wagons were provided on Austrian connecting railways in 2020 compared to the previous year.
In order to make the operation of connecting railways financially attractive, the track access charge for wagonload traffic was already reduced at the end of 2013. Wagonload traffic consists of mixed freight trains carrying goods that can be loaded and unloaded both at loading tracks and on connecting railways.
In 2020, 20 connecting railways, including voestalpine Linz, Ennshafen, and Linz Service GmbH, accounted for half of Austria's total connecting railway volume. Eight connecting railways accounted for one-third of the total volume, with four of these railways located in Upper Austria and another three in Styria.
As in previous years, the busiest connecting railway was voestalpine Linz, followed by Ennshafen and Linz Service GmbH, which operates the commercial and tanker port there.
Decline in the number of connecting railways served
In 2020, the number of connecting railways actually served decreased compared to the previous year. A total of 521 connecting railways were served across the entire Austrian network, compared to significantly more in 2019, when the figure was 579.
415 connecting railways linked to the ÖBB infrastructure had no wagon turnover in 2020.
A further 57 connecting railways had a volume of ten or fewer wagons each, and 21 connecting railways recorded a maximum of only 20 wagons each.
In 2019, 950 connecting railways (not all of which are served) could be reached from the ÖBB infrastructure network, 221 of which were branch lines. These are connecting railways that are not directly connected to the ÖBB infrastructure tracks, but are connected via another connecting railway ("branched connecting railway"). Twenty connecting railways were closed in the previous year, while all others were in operation.
In 2019, 27 percent of all connecting railways in operation were located in Lower Austria, and 22 percent in Upper Austria. With two percent of all connecting railways, Burgenland had the lowest share of connecting railways.
Last year, Linz Stadthafen station had 21 connecting railways (no other station in Austria has such a large number). In 2019, Linz Wegscheid had 18 connecting railways and Laxenburg-Biedermannsdorf, like Salzburg Liefering, had 15 connecting railways.
Consistent volume
With 1.36 million (2018: 1.35 million) wagons, around one percent more freight wagons were provided on Austrian connecting railways in 2019 compared to the previous year.
In order to make the operation of connecting railways financially attractive, the track access charge for wagonload traffic was already reduced at the end of 2013. Wagonload traffic consists of mixed freight trains carrying goods that can be loaded and unloaded both at loading tracks and on connecting railways.
In 2019, 20 connecting railways, including voestalpine Linz, Sappi Gratkorn, and Ennshafen, accounted for half of Austria's total connecting railway volume. Eight connecting railways accounted for one-third of the total volume, with four of these railways located in Upper Austria and another three in Styria.
As in previous years, the busiest connecting railway was voestalpine Linz, followed by Ennshafen and Linz Service GmbH, which operates the commercial and tanker port there. The connecting railways in Graz Central Station, Salzburg Liefering, and Vienna Lobau Port, for example, achieved significant growth of more than 9,000 wagons from 2018 to 2019. The connecting railways in Schwechat and Linzerhaus recorded declines.
Increase in the number of connecting railways served
In 2019, the number of connecting railways actually served increased compared to the previous year. A total of 579 connecting railways were serviced across the entire Austrian network, slightly fewer than in 2018 (571). The ÖBB infrastructure network served 553 connecting railways, eight more than in the previous year.
In 2019, 40 connecting railways connected to the ÖBB infrastructure had a wagon turnover of ten or fewer wagons each. A further 31 connecting railways recorded a maximum turnover of 20 wagons each.
In 2018, 951 connecting railways (not all of which are served) could be reached from the ÖBB infrastructure network, 282 of which were branch lines. These are connecting railways that are not directly connected to the ÖBB infrastructure tracks, but are connected to them via another connecting railway ("branched connecting railway"). 22 connecting railways were closed in the previous year, all others were in operation.
In 2018, 27 percent of all connecting railways in operation were located in Lower Austria, and 22 percent in Upper Austria. Burgenland had the lowest share of connecting railways, accounting for two percent of the total.
Last year, Linz Stadthafen station had 21 connecting railways (no other station in Austria has such a large number). Linz Wegscheid had 18 connecting railways in 2018, and Laxenburg-Biedermannsdorf, like Salzburg Liefering, had 15 connecting railways. Ten or more connecting railways could be reached at 13 Austrian stations.
increase in volume
With 1.35 million (2017: 1.31 million) wagons, around 2.8 percent more freight wagons were provided on Austrian connecting railways in 2018 compared to the previous year.
In order to make the operation of connecting railways financially attractive, the track access charge for wagonload traffic was already reduced at the end of 2013. Wagonload traffic consists of mixed freight trains carrying goods that can be loaded and unloaded both at loading tracks and on connecting railways.
In 2018, 19 connecting railways, including voestalpine Linz, Ennshafen, and Sappi Gratkorn, accounted for half of Austria's total connecting railway volume. Eight connecting railways accounted for one-third of the total volume, with four of these railways located in Upper Austria.
More than 40,000 wagons were provided in each of four connecting railways. As in previous years, the connecting railway with the highest volume was voestalpine Linz, followed by Ennshafen and Sappi Gratkorn. The connecting railways in Gratwein-Gratkorn and Salzburg Liefering, for example, achieved significant growth of more than 10,000 wagons between 2017 and 2018.
Number of connecting railways served declining
In 2018, the number of connecting railways actually served declined once again compared to the previous year. In total, only 571 connecting railways were served across the entire Austrian network in 2018, compared to 609 in 2017. The number of connecting railways served on the ÖBB infrastructure network also declined to 545 (2017: 583 connecting railways served).
49 Connecting railwaysnumber of connecting railways served on the ÖBB infrastructure network also declined to 545 (2017: 583 connecting railways served). 49 connecting railways connected to the ÖBB infrastructure had a wagon turnover of less than ten wagons each in 2018. A further 32 connecting railways recorded a turnover of no more than 20 wagons each.
Strong increase in volume
With 1.31 million (2016: 1.26 million) wagons, around eight percent more freight wagons were provided on Austrian connecting railways in 2017 compared to the previous year.
In order to make the operation of connecting railways financially attractive, the track access charge for wagonload traffic was already reduced at the end of 2013. Wagonload traffic consists of mixed freight trains carrying goods that can be loaded and unloaded both at loading tracks and on connecting railways.
In 2017, 19 connecting railways accounted for half of Austria's total connecting railway volume. Eight connecting railways, including voestalpine Linz, Sappi Gratkorn, and Ennshafen, accounted for one-third of the total volume. Four connecting railways each provided more than 40,000 wagons.
Three of these railways are located in Upper Austria. The busiest connecting railway was voestalpine Linz with around 109,000 wagons, followed by Ennshafen with around 55,000 wagons. The connecting railway in Leoben-Donawitz achieved significant growth compared to the previous year with more than 11,000 wagons, as did the connecting railways in Kindberg and Enns. The connecting railways at the Vienna Erdbergerlände, Tulln, and Moosbierbaum stations recorded a decline of more than 1,000 wagons each.
Number of connecting railways served declining
In 2017, the number of connecting railways served declined again, as in the previous year. With a total of 609 connecting railways across the entire Austrian network, 34 fewer rail connections were served. The number of connecting railways served on the ÖBB infrastructure network also declined compared with the previous year, falling to 583 (2016: 618).
447 connecting railways in operation had no wagon turnover in 2017. A further 40 connecting railways recorded a maximum of ten wagons provided. This means that in 2017, a higher number of wagons were provided on fewer connecting railways, which suggests a further concentration.
recovery in revenue
With 1.26 million (2015: 1.12 million) wagons, around 12 percent more freight wagons were provided on Austrian connecting railways in 2016 compared to the previous year.
In order to make the operation of connecting railways financially attractive, the track access charge for wagonload traffic was already reduced at the end of 2013. Wagonload traffic consists of mixed freight trains carrying goods that can be loaded and unloaded both at loading tracks and on connecting railways.
Twenty-four connecting railways, including voestalpine Linz, Sappi Gratkorn, and Ennshafen, accounted for half of the total volume in 2016. Eleven connecting railways accounted for one-third of the volume. Four connecting railways each provided more than 40,000 wagons.
Two of these railways are located in Upper Austria. The connecting railway with the highest volume was voestalpine Linz with 69,984 wagons provided, followed by Sappi Gratkorn with 57,276 wagons.. With more than 10,000 wagons, both achieved significant growth compared to the previous year, as did the connecting railways CTS-Terminal Salzburg, voestalpine Stahl Donawitz, and Linz Service GmbH.
Three connecting railways, voestalpine Linz, Sappi Gratkorn, and Ennshafen, accounted for 13 percent of the total volume in 2016. With 23 connecting railways, Linz Stadthafen station is the station with the most connecting railways in Austria, 16 of which were served in the reporting year. Salzburg Liefering, Laxenburg, and Linz Wegscheid each have 15 connecting railways, followed by Enns with 14, all of which were served in 2016.
A decline of more than 4,000 cars was recorded on the connecting railways at the stations in Krems an der Donau, Vienna Lobau, and Eisenerz.
Number of connecting railways served declining
In 2016, the number of connecting railways served declined slightly compared to the previous year. With a total of 647 connecting railways (2015: 660) across the entire Austrian network, there were eleven fewer rail connections served. The number of connecting railways served on the ÖBB infrastructure network also declined compared to the previous year, with 617 in operation (2015: 630).
377 connecting railways in operation had no wagon turnover in 2016. A further twelve connecting railways recorded a throughput of only one wagon each. A total of 448 connecting railways had an annual throughput of less than ten wagons each.