ÖBB freight cuts could shift Osttirol cargo onto roads

Plans to reduce single-wagon rail freight in Osttirol have unsettled businesses and politicians, ORF reports, with local officials warning that cargo could shift to roads.

ÖBB Rail Cargo confirmed it is considering reducing single-wagon freight services because they require significant staff and costs. Elisabeth Blanik, the mayor of Lienz, said ending the services would put 50 to 60 more trucks on the road each day. She also criticised the short notice businesses could face, calling the approach “extremely unprofessional”.

ÖBB spokesman Herbert Hofer said any reduction would be made only in agreement with the companies involved. He said a change in December was not being considered.

Tyrol has subsidised single-wagon freight since 2024. Rail freight is increasingly shifting towards full trainloads, which are cheaper when a train carries one type of cargo, such as iron ore, grain or cars, from one starting point to one destination. This could make rail less attractive for smaller shipments and businesses.