Hungary-Austria service
There was no direct train connection between Neusidel Lake sites on Hungarian and Austrian side. This UNESCO World Heritage site is generating tourist traffic and GySEV company introduced a direct railway service between Sopron (HU) and Bad Neusiedl am See (AT). With 2 pairs of trains per day, on weekends from April to August, and with very competitive prices, more than 4.300 people used this train. Almost 1.200 bicycles and dogs were transported as well, free of charge. Best results were seen in the first morning train and the last evening train. Considering the extensive marketing campaign in Hungary, passengers were mostly Hungarians, and very satisfied with the service, as survey results showed. This service has the potential to continue in the future, when the financing issues are agreed upon.
Italy-Slovenia-Croatia
There was no direct train connection between historically and culturally connected cities of Trieste in Italy and Rijeka in Croatia. Slovenian Railways – Passenger Transport decided to introduce a direct railway service, operating it with its new Stadler multi-system electromotor unit. With the idea of improving public transport connections in the area and making a modal shift, this one pair of trains service was operational from April to September, daily. With transporting more than 6.200 passengers and 360 bicycles until August, and significantly decreasing carbon footprint as opposed to the car, the service was a success. Negotiations about its continuation in the summer season 2025 are in progress, with possible adjustments.
Other piloting activities are still in development or production phase and their results will be presented in spring 2025.