Public Transport Improvements Announced for Eastern Austria Starting December 2025

The Eastern Region Transport Association (VOR), in collaboration with the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and the regional governments of Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland, has announced a comprehensive optimization of public transport services set to commence on December 14, 2025. The initiative aims to enhance connectivity, increase frequency, and modernize the rail and bus network throughout Austria's eastern region.

Key measures in the new plan include expanded train schedules, especially on S-Bahn lines, and a greater number of early morning and late evening services. The adjustments are designed to provide more flexibility for commuters, students, and leisure travelers, as well as facilitate cross-border mobility within the region. The introduction of new Cityjet double-decker trains will offer increased seating capacity, upgraded amenities, free internet access, and improved security features.

On major north-south rail corridors, the frequency of service will be increased to accommodate rising passenger demand. Additional trains and optimized connections at critical junctions, such as Wiener Neustadt, are expected to provide smoother transfers and improved journey planning for travelers in Lower Austria. The rollout of new double-decker trainsets is part of a broader investment in regional rail infrastructure, which also includes station upgrades and enhancements to bus and demand-responsive transport services.

Specific changes include new weekend services on the western rail axis, expanded stops for the S40 line in Gemeinlebarn and Sitzenberg-Reidling, and adjusted departure times for the REX50 on the Inner West Railway. There will also be new late services on the Kamptalbahn, and increased frequency on the CJX9 and REX lines on the southern axis, further enhancing connections between Vienna and the surrounding regions.

For commuters between Wiener Neustadt and Vienna, the CJX9 line will be supplemented with additional early and late trains, raising the number of available connections and improving transfer options. In the leisure segment, an extra train pair on the CJX5/R58 line will operate on weekends and holidays to the Gesäuse National Park. The new Burgenland Sprinter will provide a direct weekday link from Vienna to Deutschkreutz, increasing the total daily direct connections on this route to four.

Modernization efforts extend beyond rail. Regional bus lines will be strengthened, with the introduction of a new REX93 (2791) service connecting Vienna Central Station, Wiener Neustadt, and Deutschkreutz. In rural areas, the coverage of the call-a-taxi (BAST) service has been expanded to improve local mobility options. The ongoing upgrade of the Mattersburg Railway is expected to lead to more reliable and sustainable services, with electrification planned to enable operations using 100% green rail energy by 2027.

The VOR, together with its partners, is pursuing an integrated approach to public transport across Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland. The strategy emphasizes efficient use of capacity, coordinated scheduling, and the deployment of modern rolling stock to ensure the network meets the needs of a growing ridership. Since 2020, the network in the eastern region has seen an increase of approximately 5.6 million train kilometers, with a further 200,000 kilometers added in 2025, underlining the commitment to long-term sustainability and service quality.

The new rail and bus timetables will be available from December 14, 2025, and can be accessed via the VOR AnachB app and online at AnachB.VOR.at. The enhancements are expected to deliver tangible benefits for passengers, support economic growth, and contribute to environmentally friendly mobility in the region.