ÖBB Annual Report 2025

31 Step by step into the future of ÖBB-Holding AG in a new Cityjet double-decker, parked in the newly built service hall of ÖBB Technische Services in Vienna-Floridsdorf 81.6 percent, which is not bad considering the numerous delays from neighboring countries. At the same time, we can clearly see where there is still room for improvement. In local transportation, we fell just short of our target at 94.8 percent. Even if ÖBB is one of the most punctual railroads in Europe with a punctuality rate of 94 percent, that is not enough for us. We want to improve here. This is why we are consistently investing in modern infrastructure, new trains and better processes. Ms. Waldner, the Rail Cargo Group had a major impact on ÖBB’s overall result in 2025. What happened? And will it continue in this direction in 2026? MANUELA WALDNER: In 2025, the effects of the longest industrial recession also struck a heavy blow to goods transportation as freight demand remained weak. The Rail Cargo Group (RCG) competes most extensively with trucks. We can clearly see that the gaps in results are especially large for the types of transportation that are in particular competition with road transportation: single wagonloads and intermodal transportation. In the 2025 financial year, we therefore launched a program to increase competitiveness and took a close look at every area. Now it’s time to implement it: step by step, RCG must work its way out of the crisis in a sustainable manner. Poorly performing products are being discontinued, certain transports are being handled by the company itself again and internal synergies and efficiencies are being leveraged. Do we have to accept the fact that rail freight traffic is simply decreasing, or are there ways to turn this around? WALDNER: We are certainly not resigned to this: our declared goal is to shift more freight traffic to rail. This is the only way to reconcile climate targets with economic growth and the accompanying growth in transportation. With a 28 percent mode share, we in Austria are an example to Europe. Across Europe, the figure is only 18 percent. Our high share results from decades of sustained transportation policy and a clear commitment to shifting traffic to rail. However, goods transportation primarily takes place internationally, so we cannot do it alone. We are committed to a uniform railway network throughout Europe and fair conditions that treat all modes of transportation equally. We need uniform European railroad standards and long-term financing plans – here, too, we are pioneers in Austria. We are therefore focusing on innovation, digitalization and expanding our product portfolio in order to open up new markets and make it easier for customers to switch to rail. One decisive factor, for example, is multimodal logistics solutions that include the first and last mile – in other words from the factory gate to the railhead. > “We are consistently investing in modern infrastructure, new trains and better processes.” ANDREAS MATTHÄ, CEO