ÖBB Rail Cargo (RCG) is upgrading the TransFER Wels–Vienna–Budapest route for the transport of non-crane semi-trailers, strengthening intermodal transport and facilitating the shift in freight flows from road to rail. Previously, such transport was only possible on the TransFER Genk–Curtici route, but is now also available on the new route. Three times a week, the route connects the Austrian terminals of Wels and South Vienna with the Hungarian terminal BILK, linking the economic hubs of Western Europe with Southern and Southeastern Europe and Turkey.
Thanks to r2L technology, non-crane semi-trailers can now be efficiently loaded onto platforms, which are then lifted by crane onto wagons. The entire process takes only 5-8 minutes, making it simple and safe, without the need for additional ramps or equipment. This solution is also available on the TransFER Wels-Vienna-Budapest route, offering transport companies an easy way to switch to rail transport.
The route upgrade brings significant economic benefits: no fuel or toll costs, and the possibility of transporting a higher gross weight by using road transport for the first and last kilometre. This makes rail transport more attractive from an environmental and economic perspective, strengthening RCG’s position in the development of the modal shift.