ÖBB promises new Interregio trains from 2028

ÖBB plans to replace the trains used on the Interregio service along the old southern route from 2028, after the passenger association Fahrgast Kärnten criticised the service, ORF Kärnten reported.

The timetable changed when the Koralmbahn railway opened. Fahrgast Kärnten welcomes the new hourly service along the new southern route but says the long-distance service on the old route via St. Veit and Friesach remains inadequate.

The Interregio runs on the old southern route through the Aichfeld region, connecting Klagenfurt with the long-distance rail hub at Bruck an der Mur via St. Veit and Friesach. Long-distance trains operate from Bruck.

Fahrgast Kärnten deputy chairman Eduard Kaltenbacher said passengers often faced problems with seat reservations. The train has neither an electronic reservation system nor holders displaying reservations, meaning passengers sometimes sit in reserved seats without knowing it and later have to move.

The association also criticised the first-class carriage, saying it differed little from the second-class section and was very small. The onboard sale of food and drinks has also been discontinued. Other complaints concern the requirement to reserve bicycle spaces and the limited number of places available.

ÖBB said it was aware of the problems and described the current Interregio trains as a temporary solution. Carinthian regional manager Reinhard Wallner said new Railjet M trains, based on the Mireo type, had already been ordered. ÖBB said they would offer the features, comfort and services expected of a long-distance product and would enter service from 2028.