Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) retired its Series 4020 electric train units this week, marking the end of nearly 50 years of service in the Vienna metropolitan area. The final journey took place on Friday on the Franz-Josefs-Bahn, the line connecting Vienna to České Velenice.
The Series 4020 units served as a symbol of suburban transport for the region for decades. According to an ÖBB press release, these trains have provided reliable mobility for over 48 years, shaping the image of the Vienna S-Bahn.
What is the history of the Series 4020?
The units were manufactured by Simmering-Graz-Pauker (SGP) in Graz beginning in 1978. ÖBB received a total of 129 units, which have been undergoing a gradual phase-out since 2014.
During their service life, each unit traveled an average of 4.8 million kilometers. ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä stated that the units had been a faithful companion to millions of passengers for decades, noting that their retirement meant saying goodbye not just to a train, but to a piece of daily history.
“Jednotky řady 4020 byly po celá desetiletí věrným společníkem milionů cestujících. Jejich vyřazením se neloučíme jen s vlakem, ale s kusem každodenní historie – a děkujeme jim za téměř 50 let spolehlivosti. Zároveň s novými dvoupodlažními jednotkami Cityjet zahajujeme novou éru regionální dopravy,” uvedl generální ředitel ÖBB Andreas Matthä.
Did You Know? The Series 4020 units were manufactured by Simmering-Graz-Pauker (SGP) in Graz, with production beginning in 1978.
What will replace the Series 4020 units?
ÖBB is transitioning to a new era of regional transport using Cityjet double-decker units, specifically the Stadler KISS models. These new units are intended to replace the aging fleet that has served the metropolitan area and its borders.
While these new Cityjet units are currently operating around Vienna, ÖBB will deploy them to Znojmo and Břeclav.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did the final Series 4020 train run occur?
- The final ride took place on Friday on the Franz-Josefs-Bahn, which connects Vienna and České Velenice.
- How many Series 4020 units were used by ÖBB?
- ÖBB was supplied with a total of 129 units.
- What are the new replacement trains called?
- The replacement double-decker units are known as Cityjet, specifically the Stadler KISS models.
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