Hungarian MÁV has signed a cooperation agreement with the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) at InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin.
The key objective of the agreement is to achieve a two-hour journey time between the two capitals. Although major reductions in travel time will only be possible after the renovation of the railway line between Hegyeshalom and Vienna in 2028, both sides are committed to gradually shortening travel times in the meantime. The plan includes adjusting timetables and modifying stopping patterns for international trains. Currently, two pairs of Railjet trains cross the Hungarian-Austrian border without stopping in Hegyeshalom as part of a pilot project, with both MÁV-START and ÖBB providing locomotive drivers and train attendants.
The agreement also outlines efforts to improve passenger satisfaction by developing a quality assurance system to streamline communication between the railway companies in the event of technical malfunctions.
In addition to passenger transport, the cooperation focuses on increasing rail freight capacity, with both MÁV and ÖBB planning to introduce programs that support combined freight transport, with backing from the Hungarian government. The goal is to enhance environmentally friendly freight solutions and maintain traffic in key areas such as the Záhony transshipment zone.
Both railway operators are also working to minimize the impact of construction projects on international and domestic rail services, with coordination efforts involving German railways to ensure smoother ticketing and travel experiences for passengers.
