ÖBB orders more RailJets and reduces NightJet order

[Trainbike46]

The following is reported in Dutch railway media (translated and paraphrased):

ÖBB has increased the order for more RailJet vehicles from Siemens Mobility from 27 to 40. The extra sets are a mixture of 7 and 9 car RailJets, and the 7-car sets can operate in multiple to form 14-car trains in Austria and Germany. To make space in the factory, the nightjet order will be delayed / reduced from 33 to 24, which means almost no further new nightjets will be delivered until mid 2026.

source: https://www.treinreiziger.nl/obb-koopt-meer-railjets-ten-koste-van-nightjets/

The article mentions large passenger growth in Austria, requiring the extra RailJet vehicles. The article in Dutch is unclear if the size of the nightjet order is reduced, or if the nightjet order is being delayed to enable faster building of the railjet fleet.

 

[NCT]

Behind a paywall, but also reported in International Rail Journal

ÖBB amends new train orders

Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has revised its orders for Railjet and Nightjet trains from manufacturer Siemens.

www.railjournal.com

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Jul 2025 ==

They are just swapping Nightjet sets for more Railjet sets with the total number of carriages changing by just 2 (474 down to 472 cars), and contract value unchanged.

In summary
- 12 nine-car Railjets and 28 seven-car Railjets, a total of 304 cars, 61 more than originally planned
- 24 seven-car Night jet sets, a reduction from the original 33 sets (a reduction of 63 cars)

 

[Watershed]

I'm guessing RailJet coaches are less complicated and expensive to build, hence Siemens' willingness to do the change for free.

 

[43096]

I'm guessing RailJet coaches are less complicated and expensive to build, hence Siemens' willingness to do the change for free.

That and the payments for late delivery that will be due as the orders are late into service. A variation order in lieu of the late delivery changes is in both Siemens’ and ÖBB’s interests.

 

[AdamWW]

Great to see passenger growth (Kilmaticket related maybe?) but it seems a shame that it's at the expense of overnight services.

 

[ABB125]

ÖBB press release doesn't really say much more:

ÖBB: Mehr Railjets der neuen Generation für den wachsenden - ÖBB

Ab 2030: 40 Railjets und 24 Nightjets der neuen Generation in der ÖBB Flotte Kapazität im Tagesfernverkehr wird weiter gesteigert Bestellung bei Siemens Mobility wird an geänderte Nachfrage...

presse-oebb.at

ÖBB: More new-generation Railjets for growing daytime long-distance traffic​

• From 2030: 40 Railjets and 24 Nightjets of the new generation in the ÖBB fleet
• Capacity in daytime long-distance traffic will be further increased
• Order at Siemens Mobility is adjusted to changed demand

 

[Austriantrain]

Great to see passenger growth (Kilmaticket related maybe?) but it seems a shame that it's at the expense of overnight services.

Don‘t forget that ÖBB still has large numbers of classic night stock which still have plenty of life in them. It will just be the case that some routes will not switch over to the new sets. In truth, I always wondered where to find 16 routes (for 33 sets) where the Economics stack up for new expensive sets. Some possible candidates, like Zurich - Rome, will also not happen now.

As it is, you can run 11 routes with the 24 sets (2 spare). It‘s not nothing.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jul 2025 ==

That and the payments for late delivery that will be due as the orders are late into service. A variation order in lieu of the late delivery changes is in both Siemens’ and ÖBB’s interests.

Especially since the RJ2 Order has largely been changed to 7-car-sets which can be doubled up, unlike the 9-car-sets, which therefore would Not have provided enough capacity.

 

[Frothy]

I don't think ÖBB have yet exhausted all their options in this contract, and they could presumably add more nightjets back on later if they decide they need them again.

I wonder which coaches the 7-car Railjet variant will be missing.

 

[ABB125]

I'm just trying to work out exactly what was ordered when, and how it's changed:

• Aug 2018 - original framework order placed for up to 700 coaches. Initial order for 13 NJ sets and 8 RJ sets. 13x7 NJ, 8x9 RJ = 91+72=163 coaches, 21 sets
• Aug 2021 - additional 20 NJ sets ordered. 33x7 NJ, 8x9 RJ = 231+72=303 coaches, 41 sets
• Dec 2023 - additional 19 RJ sets ordered. 33x7 NJ, 27x9 RJ = 231+243=474 coaches, 60 sets
• Jul 2025 - NJ order reduced to 24 sets, RJ order changed to 12x9 and 28x7. 24x7 NJ, 12x9 RJ, 28x7 RJ = 168+108+196=472 coaches, 60 sets

Options for the coaches originally were due to run out in Aug 2023, so clearly at least one extension to the options was made. If the 9 "cancelled" NJ sets are actually just postponed (since the press releases aren't exactly clear on this point), the total number of coaches ordered would be 535.

In terms of deployment, I'd assume 22/24 of the NJ sets per night, which is 11 origin/destination pairs. Current usage is 12 sets/night, and based on a previous post of mine converting all remaining Italian route pairs would require another 10 sets, which neatly adds up to 22...
9-car RJ will presumably be used on the Brenner EC route as at present: there appear to be 5 services each way (ignoring any shorter runs at either end at the ends of the day), timings suggest this requires a minimum of 8 diagrams if you allow a ~20 minute turnaround in Venice, but if not then 9 diagrams (because 1 hour is definitely enough to turn around in Munich). From a fleet of 12 sets, that's not particularly intensive but I don't think you could do anything else with them apart from add some more through services.
7-car RJ I guess will be for the service intensification when the Semmering and Koralm tunnels open, double set Vienna-Graz/Villach then single set carries on to Salzburg (and the other set to Italy?). Definitely sounds like there's more new sets than needed just for those services though, especially if CD's new ComfortJets free up a few RJ sets from the Prague-Graz route. When you include the Stadler units to replace RJ sets on the Wien-Salzburg "stopper", looks like there's going to be quite a massive increase in capacity (though I can't quite work out how that'll work, given that most "fast" Wien-Salzburg trains are already double sets).

 

[43096]

7-car RJ I guess will be for the service intensification when the Semmering and Koralm tunnels open, double set Vienna-Graz/Villach then single set carries on to Salzburg (and the other set to Italy?). Definitely sounds like there's more new sets than needed just for those services though, especially if CD's new ComfortJets free up a few RJ sets from the Prague-Graz route. When you include the Stadler units to replace RJ sets on the Wien-Salzburg "stopper", looks like there's going to be quite a massive increase in capacity (though I can't quite work out how that'll work, given that most "fast" Wien-Salzburg trains are already double sets).

There is the refurbishment programme coming up for the original 60 RailJet sets which will obviously require around two or three sets stopped at a time for that work. Cover for that would logically come from the new sets.

 

[Austriantrain]

There is the refurbishment programme coming up for the original 60 RailJet sets which will obviously require around two or three sets stopped at a time for that work. Cover for that would logically come from the new sets.

If paths can be found, running Munich and Bregenz trains separately (and each as double set) should be aimed at, since both services lack capacity. By doing that, Half-hourly rjx services Vienne - Salzburg would be offered.

Rumour has it that this is indeed the plan, and the number of seven car-sets on order certainly seems to point in that direction too.

 

[NCT]

Doesn't OBB Infrastructure's 2040 Network Statement envisage (essentially) 6tph between Vienna and Salzburg, presumably enabled by the Linz - Wels upgrade. This essentially (if the stars are aligned) 'invites' OBB to up its RJX frequency from 1tph to 2tph. Westbahn and the slower RJs can remain at 2tph each.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jul 2025 ==

Also, how does the RJ2 delivery schedule match up with Brenner base tunnel opening? It would make sense for Brenner services to be increased to at least hourly which will need additional trains (though it seems Trenitalia already intends to do much of the heavy lifting through its Frecciarossa).

 

[Austriantrain]

Doesn't OBB Infrastructure's 2040 Network Statement envisage (essentially) 6tph between Vienna and Salzburg, presumably enabled by the Linz - Wels upgrade. This essentially (if the stars are aligned) 'invites' OBB to up its RJX frequency from 1tph to 2tph. Westbahn and the slower RJs can remain at 2tph each.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jul 2025 ==

Also, how does the RJ2 delivery schedule match up with Brenner base tunnel opening? It would make sense for Brenner services to be increased to at least hourly which will need additional trains (though it seems Trenitalia already intends to do much of the heavy lifting through its Frecciarossa).

1. I hope we don't have to wait until 2040, especially as the 2040 plan at the moment is just a draft and has not been approved by the governement. However, until Linz - Wels and Neumarkt - Salzburg fourtracking is done (the first one under construction, the second one on the way to get the necessary approvals), pathing the additional trains will be difficult (though probably not impossible - luckily we don't have to plan paths around existing freight rights which cannot be moved by some minutes. But exactly as in the UK, money is tight at the moment).
2. The BBT should open by 2032 - at least, that is the current plan - and yes, the additional sets should be delivered by then.

 

[43096]

If paths can be found, running Munich and Bregenz trains separately (and each as double set) should be aimed at, since both services lack capacity. By doing that, Half-hourly rjx services Vienne - Salzburg would be offered.

Rumour has it that this is indeed the plan, and the number of seven car-sets on order certainly seems to point in that direction too.

Excellent, that would be a real boost to capacity.

 

[30907]

Don‘t forget that ÖBB still has large numbers of classic night stock which still have plenty of life in them. It will just be the case that some routes will not switch over to the new sets. In truth, I always wondered where to find 16 routes (for 33 sets) where the Economics stack up for new expensive sets. Some possible candidates, like Zurich - Rome, will also not happen now.

As it is, you can run 11 routes with the 24 sets (2 spare). It‘s not nothing.

And with 42 Comfortline sleepers and a judicious replacement of the older couchettes and seats cars, you should be able to manage another 9 train pairs, slightly more than currently (assuming Paris/Brussels goes to daily).

 

[WessexEclectic]

The Man in Seat 61 seems to think that the Elephant in the Room is Engineering works...

Twitter Link

Sad news, ÖBB is reducing its order for new-generation Nightjet trains from 33 to 24. The elephant in the room seems to be trackwork, with Europe’s civil engineers unable to plan their work sufficiently in advance, playing havoc with sleeper trains operation/viability/expansion.

 

[doc7austin]

Honestly speaking, I can fully understand why ÖBB is reducing the Nightjet2 order.
The whole Nightjet network (esp. for destinations far away from Austria) is a big mess, largely, due to last-minute infrastructure issues.
With such a bad performance, I doubt that ÖBB is able to sell all Sleeping Car cabins for EUR 500 each each night. And so the business model falls apart.

 

[Austriantrain]

The Man in Seat 61 seems to think that the Elephant in the Room is Engineering works...

Twitter Link

Quite certainly that‘s true. And there is nothing ÖBB can do about it.

 

[doc7austin]

And there is nothing ÖBB can do about it.

I respectfully disagree with your perspective.

I’ve been examining the performance of the European Sleeper Train on the Prague-Brussels route, which operates three times a week. This train must navigate significant engineering bottlenecks south of Dresden and around Osnabrück. Remarkably, the European Sleeper Train has an almost perfect record, with cancellations close to zero. The operator prioritizes running the service at all costs, even if it results in significant delays.

In contrast, ÖBB Nightjet takes a different approach. When issues or obstacles arise, ÖBB is quick to cancel services entirely. ÖBB Nightjet is on my personal blacklist, and I’m not alone in this sentiment. Between December 2023 and September 2024, they canceled four out of six Nightjet trips I had booked, often with little notice.

On the other hand, I’ve taken the European Sleeper Train seven times. While it was consistently delayed, it was never canceled.

 

[danshrimp]

I respectfully disagree with your perspective.

I’ve been examining the performance of the European Sleeper Train on the Prague-Brussels route, which operates three times a week. This train must navigate significant engineering bottlenecks south of Dresden and around Osnabrück. Remarkably, the European Sleeper Train has an almost perfect record, with cancellations close to zero. The operator prioritizes running the service at all costs, even if it results in significant delays.

In contrast, ÖBB Nightjet takes a different approach. When issues or obstacles arise, ÖBB is quick to cancel services entirely. ÖBB Nightjet is on my personal blacklist, and I’m not alone in this sentiment. Between December 2023 and September 2024, they canceled four out of six Nightjet trips I had booked, often with little notice.

On the other hand, I’ve taken the European Sleeper Train seven times. While it was consistently delayed, it was never canceled.

Hard to not agree with this. ES often end up with extreme delays, but most passengers (especially those who have committed to a long distance overnight journey) would rather be heavily delayed than face a last minute cancellation which can ruin a whole holiday. Their commitment to finding a way to make things work rather than giving in at the first sign of trouble is admirable. Their efforts to get to Venice earlier this year are certainly testament to that!

I suppose the counterpoint is that ES are clearly not making it work financially yet. I see that having only just finished cobbling together money through a public bond loan scheme, they're now about to open up yet another sharefunding round (the advertised outcomes of the last one never really having materialised). Of course they're still trying to pursue ambitious expansion plans so that is a factor. But one fears that ÖBB's ruthlessness may ultimately be part of how they've managed to make a complex night train network financially viable...

 

[Austriantrain]

I respectfully disagree with your perspective.

I’ve been examining the performance of the European Sleeper Train on the Prague-Brussels route, which operates three times a week. This train must navigate significant engineering bottlenecks south of Dresden and around Osnabrück. Remarkably, the European Sleeper Train has an almost perfect record, with cancellations close to zero. The operator prioritizes running the service at all costs, even if it results in significant delays.

In contrast, ÖBB Nightjet takes a different approach. When issues or obstacles arise, ÖBB is quick to cancel services entirely. ÖBB Nightjet is on my personal blacklist, and I’m not alone in this sentiment. Between December 2023 and September 2024, they canceled four out of six Nightjet trips I had booked, often with little notice.

On the other hand, I’ve taken the European Sleeper Train seven times. While it was consistently delayed, it was never canceled.

Fair enough. ES doesn't run to France though (yet), and France is different... DB will usually accomodate diversions, the French won't. I suspect that then, Brussels gets canceled too, which probably shouldn't happen. NJ Austria to Germany and Zurich usually seems to run ok, and Amsterdam too (long delays aside). Italy works well too, unless they are working on their north-south mainline... but then, that gets published far in advance.

 

[doc7austin]

Again, I'd characterize ÖBB as "lazy".
As you stated: It is 100% the responsibility of ÖBB if they cancel the Brussels Nightjet, because of engineering works in France.
My latest Nightjet cancellation: the Tauern Railway was closed due to snow. The Brenner Railway was open.
Nonetheless, ÖBB cancelled the Rome-Munich/Vienna Nightjet.
My point is that ÖBB has managed to put off a lot of passengers, who were willing to pay top Euros for the Nightjet2 premium product.
Without those passengers - who is going to pay for all of these shiny new Nightjet2 sets ?

 

[WessexEclectic]

Fair enough. ES doesn't run to France though (yet), and France is different... DB will usually accomodate diversions, the French won't. I suspect that then, Brussels gets canceled too, which probably shouldn't happen....

Was on a Prague - Brussels NJ last year that was terminated short at Aachen and ppl left to get the next ICE to Midi... - didn't help that the NJ train was 3 hrs late leaving Prague due to defective coaching stock, picked me (& others) up at Munich Pasing vice Ost then got caught up in Eng works in the Rhine corridor...

 

[Austriantrain]

Again, I'd characterize ÖBB as "lazy".
As you stated: It is 100% the responsibility of ÖBB if they cancel the Brussels Nightjet, because of engineering works in France.
My latest Nightjet cancellation: the Tauern Railway was closed due to snow. The Brenner Railway was open.
Nonetheless, ÖBB cancelled the Rome-Munich/Vienna Nightjet.
My point is that ÖBB has managed to put off a lot of passengers, who were willing to pay top Euros for the Nightjet2 premium product.
Without those passengers - who is going to pay for all of these shiny new Nightjet2 sets ?

It's not that I want to defend everything they do, far from it.

But you do realize that Rome NJ are run in cooperation with Trenitalia, and if they are to run via Brenner instead of Tarvis, Trenitalia must agree to it too? And willing to run via that route? As must SNCF when for some reason the DB route to Strasbourg is closed and they would need to run via Saarbrücken - and SNCF won't agree, especially not at short notice.

The Vienna - Zurich NJ hardly gets canceled since the route via Lindau is electrified. Why? Because SBB (and DB) are flexible... They even, on occasions, have run the train via Karlsruhe...

What I strongly believe however is that the difficulties of running international night trains have been severely underestimated. And if a route gets cancelled too often, better bin it rather then risk the reputation of the brand, which they currently do.

 

[doc7austin]

Not to be picky: there are alternative routes between Villach and Vienna/Munich than the Tauern Railway - one where one doesn't need the help of the Italians.

What I strongly believe however is that the difficulties of running international night trains have been severely underestimated. And if a route gets cancelled too oftenbetter bin it rather then risk the reputation of the brand, which they currently do.

You hit it on the nail.

 

[Austriantrain]

Not to be picky: there are alternative routes between Villach and Vienna/Munich than the Tauern Railway - one where one doesn't need the help of the Italiens.

Not to be picky myself: Only works if the Italians agree to take over the train in the opposite direction several hours late (because that is how long it would take to run from Munich to Tarvis on alternative routes) and bring it to Rome. Otherwise, the only thing you achieve is simply postpone the cancellation by one night, since there would be no sets in Rome. I do however agree that the Vienna service should have run (except if the Südbahn was also closed for some reasons - cannot remember - in which case there would have been no route).*

Let's see how ES will do when/if they ever run to Barcelona. Venice did not turn out too well for them...

I certainly agree though that the end result is a disaster for passengers. It is the international rail system malfunctioning, at least once night falls. I am not keen on night trains myself ATM, with few exceptions where I would not hesitate.

*EDIT: I am no expert on NJ operation, but since the NJ sets can still not run with the DVT leading and the train needs to reverse in Firenze SMN and will therefore be topped-and-tailed, I strongly suspect that the Italians would not allow a single set to run to Vienna. Not that this is a compliment to Siemens who have not managed to obtain the necessary approvals yet... And yes, I fully agree that none of this should be the passengers' problem.

 

[danshrimp]

ES doesn't run to France though (yet), and France is different...

Let's see how ES will do when/if they ever run to Barcelona. Venice did not turn out too well for them...

Well indeed, I have noticed that their publicity has recently suddenly started suggesting that the next route could either be Barcelona or Milan, so perhaps they're going soft on the idea already! (Of course it might naturally be logical to do the latter via France too, but it is avoidable, and they already have experience of Italy via Brenner. And I gather they were quite happy with their partnership with Trenitalia by the end.)

 

[AdamWW]

. It is the international rail system malfunctioning, at least once night falls.

Perhaps "system" isn't quite the right word for it...

 

[WessexEclectic]

Perhaps "system" isn't quite the right word for it...

Was there a time in the last 80 years when it all just worked?...

 

[AdamWW]

Was there a time in the last 80 years when it all just worked?...

I don't know but I think there was a time when it could make a better claim to be a system than it can now.

Venice did not turn out too well for them...

Didn't they get it working at the end?