Austrian rail operator Westbahn—which operates 19 trains and carried nine million passengers last year—has become the first in the European Union to use China-manufactured trains on a regular long-distance service.
The first of four double-decker trains brought in from abroad began operating between Vienna and Salzburg on Wednesday, November 12th, with three more to follow in the weeks ahead.
The move has sparked criticism from Austrian Transport Minister Peter Hanke, who warned that “critical infrastructure in Austria and Europe” should be protected in the national interest.
Westbahn, which has struggled recently with growing levels of violence, defended the decision, citing limited options and long waits for European-made trains, calling it a “market failure.”
