Effective during December, the Austrian Railways, OBB, will make changes enabling passenger trains to operate "straight through" without any change in direction of travel from the West (Innsbruck, Salzburg) to the East (Vienna Hbf, Budapest, Airport-VIE).
Last August, I took a day trip from Salzburg to Vienna after I realized I'd never been there (I thought I had on my first trip overseas during 1960), to extend my Eastern most point in Europe (I've traveled in Southeast Asia - not necessarily because I wanted to), to see "the beautiful Blue Danube", and otherwise "because it's there". While not HSR as defined in Europe or Asia, the Austrian Ry has certainly made improvements to efficiently use what they have. Their Rail Jet trains are fast and comfortable - especially in First. However, what I noted was that, after X-ing Eastern Austria at speeds up to 140mph, when approaching Vienna, the trip became all too much like approaching Chicago from the South. At Vienna West station the train changed directions after, IIRC, a backup move (Amtrak approaching Tampa, anyone?), then arrival at Vienna Hbf.
Now it appears all that will change, and Vienna Hbf will simply be a run through.
But off the rails if I may, my afternoon in Vienna was "interesting". I wanted to see the "beautiful Blue Danube" so I rung up Mr. Google's map on my phone and started walking in the direction of the Danube, I thought I'd be walking into the central part of town, but I just kept walking (no security fears on my part), nothing resembling one of the most historical cities on the planet, and finally the Danube - except that it was levied - and no sign of a restaurant for Lunch. But then I suddenly saw a sign saying Hilton and an arrow. Hopefully at 1PM, they had a restaurant open. So I ended up at Hilton Danube Waterfront. The waitress was happy to charge up my phone (I remembered to bring the charging cord and the adapter with me) and I had a nice Lunch, well worth the €55', including a nice tip for the girl who charged up my phone, and overlooking the Danube, which was more Blue than I expected. But I still had not seen the city.
Having already walked some 4 miles, I was just going to take a taxicab back to Hbf and call it a day. This driver "decided" that this guy "wanted" a tour of the city - to make a long story short, I didn't care but all I had was €20'. But I did see from a Skoda (a VW brand sold in Europe), the famous Ferris Wheel from "The Third Man", Embassy Row, the Opera House, and clearly evident to me I just plain walked the wrong way. I reminded him all is have is 20, "Ya, Ya", and he pulls in to Hbf. with €18'50 on the meter - he got the 20. The Rail Jet was nice with it's at seat F&B service. Only problem; I "stiffed" the Attendant, as the OBB accepts cards for F&B, but not tips. She "couldn't have been nicer".
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