AUSTRIA: Graz-Köflacher Bahn began electric operation of S-Bahn Steiermark service S6 from Graz Hbf via Hengsberg and Wettmannstätten to Wies-Eibiswald on August 4.
The route has been electrified at 15 kV 16·7 Hz, the stations modernised, park-and-ride facilities expanded and underpasses and level crossings refurbished.
Trains are initially running to the previous timetable, with an increase in services planned from December 2025 when the Koralmbahn fully opens.
Services are being operated using leased Siemens Mobility Vectron locomotives and GKB’s older coaches. GKB has purchased 21 double-deck coaches from DB which are being refurbished by the DB’s Neumünster workshop; a 22nd coach is being used a source of spare parts.
‘With this modernisation, we are setting a clear example for environmentally friendly, reliable and efficient rail transport’, said Ewald Jantscher, Managing Director of ÖBB Infrastructure Division GKBI. ‘ÖBB continues to invest in innovative infrastructure to make regional public transport future-proof and actively promote climate protection.’
Further electrification
GKB was responsible for the infrastructure until July 2024, when ÖBB-Infrastruktur took over the local network which is now known as the Steirische Westbahn.
The independent railway continues to operate diesel multiple-units on services S61 and S7, but the long-term ambition is for full electrification and it plans to procure 28 electric multiple-units.
Steiermark Land Councillor Claudia Holzer said ‘only by creating better services can we ensure stronger demand and encourage even more people to use the train instead of their own private cars. Investments like these are investments in the future of a strong Steiermark, ensure greater comfort for passengers and advance the green heart of Austria — we can be proud of that.’
