Westbahn launches high-speed train service on southern route, competing with ÖBB

Westbahn will compete with ÖBB on the southern route starting Sunday, March 1, with three daily high-speed train services. The private operator will use Stadler "Smile" trains on the newly opened Koralmbahn line, connecting Vienna with Villach via Graz and Klagenfurt in under four hours. The service will expand to five daily connections by late May, with further increases planned after the Semmering Base Tunnel opens.