Marking a significant step towards enhanced connectivity between Slovenia and Austria, Slovenian Railways (SŽ) and Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) have inaugurated two cross-border passenger services. The new services aim to provide better and more frequent connections, with one service linking Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, with Villach, Austria, and the other connecting Ljubljana with Pragersko, Maribor, Slovenia, and Graz, Austria. The inaugural journey from Ljubljana to Graz took place on March 21, 2024, and was attended by Darja Kocjan, Director of SŽ Passenger Transport, and Kurt Bauer, Head of Long-distance Passenger Services & New Rail Business at ÖBB. The services are scheduled to run six times daily, utilizing SŽ’s Class 510 Stadler Flirt EMUs, which are equipped to handle different voltage requirements across borders. During the launch, Kocjan expressed gratitude towards ÖBB for their cooperation and optimism about the increasing trend in international passenger traffic, especially to and from Austria. She emphasized the sustainable future of rail transport, noting that rail travel uses significantly less energy per passenger compared to road vehicles. Bauer reciprocated the sentiments, highlighting the goal to make train travel between Slovenia and Austria more comfortable and enjoyable. Bauer outlined the operational responsibilities, mentioning that each operator manages their segment of the journey independently, with staff changes occurring at the border. He also mentioned that ÖBB pays a fee to SŽ for the use of the trains in Austria. Both representatives expressed a desire to intensify the service with plans to introduce more frequent connections, including hourly trains between Graz and Maribor, and a two-hourly service between Villach and Ljubljana, contingent on future infrastructure improvements. Further expanding their international reach, SŽ has also commenced a service between Villa Opicina on the Italian border and Rijeka in Croatia, in partnership with Croatian passenger operator HŽPP. This service, which began on April 24, 2024, will offer daily returns until September 30, highlighting the commitment of SŽ to enhance cross-border connectivity within the region. The introduction of these services not only facilitates travel between Slovenia and Austria but also significantly contributes to the growth of global travel and tourism by offering sustainable and efficient travel options. The continued expansion of these networks is expected to foster closer cultural and economic ties between the involved countries, thus enhancing the overall appeal of Central Europe as a travel destination.
Enhanced Connectivity: Slovenia and Austria Inaugurate New Cross-Border Passenger Services
