Interexpress

Interexpress (abbreviated as "IEx") is a former international train category. The word "Interexpress" is a short form version of the German language term (English: "International Express") and its foreign language equivalents.
Interexpress services operated between 1986 and 1991 as express trains between Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic (GDR), Hungary and Poland.
History.
In the mid 1980s, the State railways of Czechoslovakia (Československé státní dráhy (ČSD)), the GDR (Deutsche Reichsbahn (DR)), Hungary (Magyar Államvasutak (MÁV)) and Poland (Polskie Koleje Państwowe (PKP)) decided to introduce the Interexpress train category for high value passenger train traffic between these four countries.
In 1986, a few "Schnellzug"-category trains were converted into IEx trains. This conversion anticipated by one year the equivalent transformation of international express train traffic by the Western European rail operators, which introduced their own new EuroCity system only in 1987.
Following the political changes in central Europe in 1989/1990, there was no longer any demand for an isolated train service offering for international travellers. In 1991, the IEx trains were therefore either discontinued, or converted to EuroCity trains or "Schnellzug" category services.
Trains.
The following trains operated as Interexpresses:
The "Báthory" and the "Metropol" were overnight trains that also included sleeping and couchette cars.
Some of the IEx trains included through coaches at least occasionally; examples were the "Metropol" (to Vienna), and the "Berolina" (from Paris). In 1986/87 and 1987/88, the "Hungaria" ran coupled together with the D374/375 "Vindobona" to Vienna, and in summer included through coaches from Malmö in Sweden.
The "Progress" operated as an IEx train only in 1986/87 and 1987/88 and then reverted to its previous classification. Its IEx formation (consist) included special air-conditioned "Komfortwagen" in a red-white livery.
The fares charged for travel in IEx trains were in accordance with the normal "Schnellzug" tariffs. Seat reservations were compulsory for all passengers.
External links.
"This article is based upon a translation of the as at March 2013."