Note: Originally published on November 28, 2025. This article has been updated following the official confirmation that the authorization applies not only to the new Nightjet driving trailers, but also to those used on ÖBB’s Railjet 2 trains.
The ERA has recently granted approval for operating Siemens Viaggio N / Bfmpz driving trailers in push–pull mode. Until now, these trailers could only be used with a locomotive pulling the train, never pushing. The approval comes with several important restrictions, including:
- They may only be used in predefined train formations consisting exclusively of Viaggio N coaches.
- The authorization currently applies only to operations in Germany and Austria, and only under PZB, LZB, or ETCS train control systems.
- Authorization for operations in the Netherlands and Italy has not yet been granted.
It also remains unclear whether this approval extends to the ČD Comfortjet sets, which are likewise Siemens Viaggio-based trains and could potentially benefit from the same push–pull capability.
