The agreement, signed at Vienna Central Station, updates a partnership in place since 2006 and comes amid continued concern over assaults on railway employees.
The cooperation covers joint police patrols on trains, coordinated operations at stations, shared communication procedures and reciprocal training for police officers and railway staff.
“Close cooperation between the police and ÖBB is essential for the safety of passengers and railway employees,” said Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner. “The new partnership is intended to prevent criminal offences and, where necessary, ensure a rapid and coordinated response.”
ÖBB said prevention and early identification of risks would remain central to its security approach, alongside faster police intervention during serious incidents.
“We are focusing on consistent prevention, early risk detection and the best possible protection for employees and passengers,” said Andreas Matthä, CEO of ÖBB.
The railway group said assaults on staff have remained at a consistently high level in Austria and other European countries. Its current measures include a ten-point security plan, de-escalation and communication training, and the wider use of bodycams.
ÖBB works council chairman Roman Hebenstreit said increased police presence must be combined with sufficient railway staff on trains and at stations.
“More police officers on trains and at stations are an important step towards protecting passengers and employees,” he said. “Comprehensive security can only be achieved together with additional personnel on board and at stations.”
