AUSTRIA: The exterior design and first painted carbody for the fleet of coaches which Siemens Mobility is to supply for Nightjet night train services has been unveiled by Austrian Federal Railways.
During the unveiling at the manufacturer’s Simmering plant on February 23, Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler emphasised that ÖBB was investing €500m in the future of night trains, providing more trainsets, additional destinations and new services.
‘Nightjet is the best option for travelling between major European cities’, she said, adding that ‘Austria is – and will continue to be – the trendsetter for this service in the EU.’
ÖBB ordered 13 seven-car Nightjet trainsets in August 2018, within a framework agreement for up to 700 coaches. It has subsequently announced its intention to order a further 20 Nightjet sets.
Each set will be formed of two seating cars, three couchette cars and two sleeping cars. The couchette vehicles will include ‘mini-suites’ offering more privacy for lone travellers. The sleeping cars will have standard and deluxe compartments, each with their own toilet and shower.
Each seven-car set will include a multifunctional vehicle with a low-floor entrance, a barrier-free couchette compartment and an accessible toilet.
The trains will have wi-fi, with free access to streamed content, digital newspapers and magazines.
‘The new Nightjet impresses with its greater passenger comfort as well as its sustainability and flexibility and will be the global benchmark for years to come’, said Siemens Mobility CEO Michael Peter. ‘One central feature of the trains is the innovative mini-suites, which offer passengers a private retreat. Newly-designed lightweight bogies ensure especially smooth and quiet operation and reduce energy consumption over the train’s entire life cycle.’
The first train is scheduled to be delivered in 2022, for testing in the second half of the year and entry into service from the December 2022 timetable change.
‘The decision made in 2016 to enter the European night train business and steadily expand the night train network was absolutely right’, said ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä. ‘We are already the largest provider of night train service in Europe and our investment in new and ultra-modern trains will ensure that we can continue building on our pioneering role. By providing greater comfort and privacy, our new, state-of-the-art Nightjets will clearly and convincingly focus on meeting the needs of passengers.’
The new vehicles are to be used on the Wien – Venezia, Wien – Roma, Wien – Milano, München – Villach – Venezia, München – Villach – Roma and München – Villach – Milano routes, replacing older stock that will no longer comply with enhanced Italian fire safety standards.
Meanwhile, ÖBB intends to introduce its planned Wien/Innsbruck – Amsterdam Nightjet service from April 2021, with Wien – München – Paris and Zürich – Amsterdam services following in December.
