SNCF, France’s national rail operator, has bought a 26% stake in Rail Holding which owns Westbahn.
Westbahn is Austria’s first private open-access passenger rail operator.
The first Westbahn service will be launched in December between Vienna and Salsburg.
SNCF has said it will provide Westbahn with its ‘operation and ticket sales expertise, especially via the internet’.
Guillaume Pepy, SNCF’s President, said:
“We were won over by the innovative services of Westbahn.
“Our goal is to bring our expertise and contribute to the success of Westbahn.”
This commitment is part of the ‘international growth strategy of the group between SNCF and European railway companies’.
Here we go again! SNCF are, once again, buying stakes in other European rail operators, as well as applying for UK franchises. M. Pepy appears to be all in favour of open rail access throughout Europe and the World – except of course if it is to occur in France, where the gates are still only partially-open to foreign operators. The EU Transport Commissioners should get their proverbial fingers out and tell the government in Paris that outside operators (even British companies!) must be allowed to apply to run both passenger and freight services within France.