Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has begun operating the first Siemens Desiro ML train in its new Vorarlberg fleet between Schruns and Lindau and from Bregenz and Dornbirn to St. Margrethen.

The rail company signed a framework agreement with Siemens in August 2021 for 46 Desiro ML series electric multiple units, 21 of which were ordered for local transport in Vorarlberg.

The new local train for Vorarlberg: ÖBB Cityjet Siemens Desior ML

© ÖBB / OEBB

All 21 Vorarlberg trains are scheduled to enter service by next October.

The new trains can carry almost 50 percent more passengers than the old Talent 1 sets, with increased legroom, changing tables, multifunctional areas, power sockets and USB ports.

They can also be adapted to fit passenger needs for certain times of year.

First Siemens Desiro ML train of ÖBB’s new Vorarlberg Fleet enters service

© ÖBB / OEBB

In winter, the four-part trains have more rows of seats and ski racks, while in the summer, the low-floor area of ​​the middle car is converted into a bicycle compartment with 39 parking spaces.

Passengers push their bikes into the train at one door, put the bikes’ rear tyres in specially made clamps and, once they arrive, push their bikes out the other door.

ÖBB also opened a new train tech workshop in Bludenz this month to support the Vorarlberg fleet.

A total of 30 employees will maintain the fleet in the 126-metre-long hall. Maintenance will be undertaken on each vehicle after 25,000 kilometres of travel – approximately every two months – and always during so-called idle periods.

The new workshop is also where seasonal layout conversions will take place.

source= https://railway-news.com/obb-begins-operating-first-desiro-ml-in-vorarlberg-fleet/