GTS Rail unveils TRAXX DC3 locomotive 494 275 “Everest”
Italian freight operator GTS Rail has added another symbolic unit to its growing fleet with the release of locomotive 494 275, named “Everest”. Following recent entries such as “Less is More”, “Never stop dreaming”, and “Be water my friend”, the company continues its tradition of assigning meaningful names to its TRAXX DC3 locomotives. “Everest” evokes ambition, determination, and the drive to reach the highest goals. The locomotive, the 48th in the fleet, carries the full number 91 83 2494 275-7 I-GTSR. (lp)
Kombiverkehr unveils green “climate-friendly” livery on locomotive 185 664
A fresh eco-message is now running on Europe’s rails. Locomotive 185 664, part of the fleet operated by Kombiverkehr, has received a new green design promoting sustainable freight transport. The side branding reads “KlimaFreundlichMaker” (“climate-friendly maker”) and, just below, “Intermodal bewegt” (“intermodal moves”). The striking livery highlights once again the operator’s commitment to lower-emission logistics, turning the locomotive itself into a rolling statement for greener, intermodal rail freight across the network. (lp)
Snälltåget adds Malmö – Oslo route to its network
Starting Monday, 15.06.2026, Snälltåget will expand its network to include a direct daytime service between Malmö and Oslo (v.v.) via Göteborg. The Oslo-bound train departs Malmö C at 06:38 and arrives at Oslo S at 13:16, the Malmö-bound train departs Oslo S at 14:48 and arrives back at Malmö C at 21:25. Both services will feature Snälltåget’s “Krogen” restaurant carriage. Along the route, the train will make stops in Lund, Helsingborg, Halmstad, Varberg, Göteborg (Mölndal & Gamlastaden), Trollhättan in Sweden as well as Sarpsborg and Fredrikstad in Norway. This new service is timed to connect with Snälltåget’s night trains on the Malmö – Berlin/Hamburg route. Bookings are now open for travel dates through 28.10.2026. (fl)
Northrail takes on ECM and fleet responsibility in Netz West
Northrail Fahrzeugverwaltung GmbH has assumed vehicle ownership responsibilities and ECM I+II duties for the Netz West regional network following the December timetable change. The network covers 237 km in northern Germany, linking Hamburg with Itzehoe, Heide, Husum, and Westerland on Sylt. Operations use 15 Bombardier TRAXX DE ME locomotives, 90 passenger coaches, and three Coradia LINT 54 units. The coaches are currently undergoing modernisation. (ok)
ÖBB electrifies Mattersburgerbahn, expanding Austrian network toward Sopron
ÖBB has launched the main phase of modernisation and electrification works on the Mattersburgerbahn, further expanding Austria’s electrified rail network. By the end of the year, approximately 25 additional kilometres will be electrified. The line connects Wiener Neustadt with Mattersburg in Burgenland and continues toward Sopron in Hungary. Full electrification will extend to the border station Loipersbach-Schattendorf. Five stations will be modernised with upgraded platforms and step-free access, while the section between Wiener Neustadt and Katzelsdorf will be double-tracked. The EUR 143 million project requires a full line closure until the December timetable change. Electrification will enable direct services from Loipersbach to Vienna, eliminating the current transfer in Wiener Neustadt. Austria has already electrified around 75% of its 5,636-kilometre rail network. (mp)
PKP Intercity and SKPL Cargo signed lease agreements for first-class and dining coaches
PKP Intercity has signed two lease agreements with SKPL Cargo covering first-class and dining coaches. The contracts follow a tender procedure divided into three lots, including first-class, second-class and catering vehicles designed for operation at speeds of at least 160 km/h with full P3–P5 maintenance support. PKP Intercity signed a contract for 15 first-class coaches and five dining cars for a period of 36 months. The leased vehicles are scheduled to enter service at the turn of February and March. The operator currently has 79 dining cars in its fleet, of which 68 are in active service. The agreements include options for additional vehicles and a possible 12-month lease extension. PKP Intercity continues efforts to secure at least 10 second-class coaches. (mp)
