AUSTRIAN Federal Railways (ÖBB) and Slovenian Railways (SŽ) have strengthened cross-border passenger services between the two countries. A Slovenian EMU ran from Ljubljana to Graz on March 21 to celebrate the new initiative.
New train connections between Ljubljana and Graz Main Station mean that up to 12 trains now run daily in both directions. The fastest journey time has been reduced to 3 hours 13 minutes. Three of the 12 trains call additionally at Maribor, Slovenia.
SŽ will operate the trains with its existing fleet of Flirt EMUs, which provide capacity for 235 passengers and offer low-floor boarding, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and accessible toilets.
ÖBB describes the new connections as “a groundbreaking development for cross-border mobility and a strengthening of relations between the two countries.”
“Together with our partner Slovenian Railways, we are setting new standards in international traffic between Austria and Slovenia,” says Mr Kurt Bauer, head of ÖBB long-distance transport & new rail business. “We want to gradually achieve one-hour intervals between Graz and Maribor. The new, expanded offer strengthens two regions that are closely linked economically and culturally."
“Strengthening the connections between Slovenia and Austria is a milestone for the sustainable development of our region,” says Ms Darja Kocjan, director of Slovenian Railways. “The partnership with ÖBB allows us to offer 12 new direct connections while reducing our carbon footprint."
