ÖBB orders more CityJets from Siemens
The number of units ordered has reached 246.
Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has decided to exercise its option to purchase Siemens Desiro ML units, which have been given the brand name CityJet. A further 27 new electric units are to enter service in Austria in 2025. In total, ÖBB has ordered 246 units, of which over 200 are already in service.
The first contract for the delivery of these units was signed in 2010. ÖBB originally ordered 200 units, but in 2021 has contracted for more to be delivered. This is the second order after the expiration of the contract.
Siemens supplies ÖBB with three- or four-car units. The 2021 order was for Voralberg with four cars. ÖBB did not specify where the newly ordered units will run, however, these will be three-car units. The operator uses them for regional transport throughout the country. The three-car unit has a seating capacity of 220 passengers and a maximum speed of 160 km/h.
The units will be manufactured in Krefeld, Germany, and final modifications will take place at ÖBB’s facilities in Jedlersdorf. With the purchase of the new trains, the company will be able to dispose of the older electric units that have been operating in the Vienna suburban service. These are class 4020 units, built between 1978 and 1987.
Edited and translated by Lucie Trávníčková