ÖBB to increase bicycle capacity on Tyrol railway lines

The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) is addressing increasing congestion in bicycle compartments on railway lines in Tyrol, particularly along the Brenner route. The rise in popularity of e-bikes, gravel bikes, and mountain bikes has led to frequent overcrowding as cyclists use trains to reach recreational destinations or bridge sections of their tours.

To manage this demand, ÖBB plans to introduce new trains on the Brenner route starting in mid-2027. These new vehicles are expected to provide more than double the bicycle capacity of the current fleet. While newer models already offer increased space, the company noted that overall train length is limited by the length of available station platforms.

ÖBB spokesperson Christoph Gasser-Mair stated that while the company is responding to the trend, they do not currently see a need for stricter regulations regarding bicycle transport. Passengers are encouraged to avoid traveling with bicycles during peak hours to alleviate pressure on the system.